6 month contract role with a Local Authority Job Summary: • The Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Research, Development & Innovation will play a critical leadership role in shaping and delivering the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) Investment Zone—a major economic development initiative focused on accelerating innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth across South East Wales. • Reporting to the Director of Regional Growth & Investment, the postholder will provide specialist expertise to design, influence, and implement strategic programmes aligned with CCR’s Regional Economic and Industrial Plan. • The role will work with stakeholders across local authorities, the Welsh and UK Governments, academia, and industry to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem and support high-value sectors including compound semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Provide strategic leadership for R&D and innovation activities within the CCR Investment Zone. • Lead engagement with industry clusters and gather market intelligence to inform strategic priorities. • Design and deliver innovation programmes and interventions that support regional economic growth. • Develop robust business cases and ensure initiatives are evidence-based and future-focused. • Support inward investment efforts and build strong partnerships across public, private and academic sectors. • Oversee procurement, contracting processes, and supplier management where required. • Monitor programme delivery, evaluate impact, and report progress to internal and external stakeholders. • Provide leadership across project teams and contribute to the delivery of CCR’s wider Innovation Strategy. Skills/Experience: • Deep subject-matter expertise in research, development, and innovation—preferably in high-value sectors such as advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, engineering, or emerging technologies. • Demonstrable experience working across multi‑stakeholder environments (public sector, industry, academia, government). • Strong strategic planning and programme design capability. • Proven experience in developing business cases and securing funding for innovation projects. • Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and partnership development skills. • Strong commercial and policy acumen with the ability to work in complex governance settings. • Experience managing project delivery, procurement processes, and external contractors. • Analytical skills and the ability to interpret data, evidence, and market insights. • Leadership experience, including guiding or influencing cross-functional teams. • High-level communication skills, both written and verbal, including report writing and presentation abilities. Additional Information: • Bi-Weekly Payments. • Must be able to travel across the Cardiff Capital Region as required. • Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary. • The post is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. • Hybrid working pattern: mix of remote work and 2–3 days per week in the office (Sbarc | Spark, Cardiff). • Temporary role: 24 weeks, 37 hours per week.