Deputy Director of Innovation Systems for Science, Research and Innovation Directorate (SRID)

Do you want to lead a high-performing, diverse team to deliver some of the issues most important to the UK’s economic future? Do you want to drive a cross-government policy debate on the future of the innovation system in the UK economy, and work closely with no 10, who see this area as a top priority? Do you want to be at the heart of an expert and engaged stakeholder community? Then the role of Deputy Director, Innovation Systems will be a great fit for you.

Sitting within Science, Research and Innovation Directorate (SRID), the Innovation Systems team works to make the UK the most innovative economy in the world by helping to deliver on the innovation ambitions in HMG’s Innovation Strategy as one of the three pillars of the Plan for Growth. The team drives the innovation policy discussion both within and outside government so that public and private investment achieves the maximum economic and social impact.

Deputy Director, Innovation Systems is a crucial leadership role for the new department. An established and credible policy professional, the role-holder will drive a priority area for both the Secretary of State and the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation.

Leading a high-performing and energetic team of approximately 18, Deputy Director, Innovation Strategy is responsible for delivering the actions contained within the Innovation Strategy , while also working closely with teams across DSIT, no 10, UK Research and Innovation, industry and academia to deliver new policy in line with the framework set by the Strategy and high ministerial ambition. The record settlement in support of Research, Development and Innovation at the Spending Review provides a strong platform to go further. Policies should ultimately help increase rates of private investment in R&D, working with teams across government and beyond, moving towards reaching our ambition set in 2017 of total R&D investment reaching 3% of GDP.

The role-holder is responsible for building and maintaining a broad-based network across the academic and business communities, shaping the innovation policy debate by identifying and harnessing emerging trends and new ideas including the commercialisation of the world-class research emerging from our universities. This is the perfect role for an ambitious and experienced Deputy Director looking to develop their leadership credentials in a policy area that is firmly at the top of the national political agenda.

Skills, experience and qualifications (Essential)

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A proven track record of policy development and delivery.
• Experience of leading and empowering high-performing and diverse teams to drive real change.
• Proven experience of providing strategic advice to senior leaders, demonstrating acute awareness of the political context.
• The ability to build and maintain a broad set of stakeholder relationships while remaining credible across a range of business, academic and stakeholder groups.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to navigate a complex and broad policy environment.
• The ability to collaborate effectively and work across organisational boundaries to achieve mutually desired outcomes.

Skills, experience and qualifications (Desirable)

• Knowledge and experience of innovation policy, economics or industrial policy.

Job contact :

Name :
SCS Recruitment Team
Email :
scscandidate.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Recruitment team :

Email :
scscandidate.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk