Innovation and Growth Lead – Trent Supercluster (6 Month Secondment)
Directorate: Place
Location: East Midlands (hybrid working available)
Reports to: Trent Supercluster Director
Direct Reports: N/A
Lead one of the UK's most ambitious clean growth and industrial transformation programmes.
We are looking for an exceptional strategic leader on a 6 month secondment to help shape and deliver the Trent Supercluster – a transformational regional initiative focused on unlocking growth, innovation and investment across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in the future of the East Midlands, supporting the regeneration of former coal‑fired power station sites, maximising opportunities linked to nationally significant infrastructure investment, and helping establish the region as a global leader in clean energy, advanced manufacturing and innovation.
About the role
As Innovation and Growth Lead, you will provide senior leadership within the Trent Supercluster delivery team, leading the Business, Industry and Supply Chain workstream while providing strategic oversight of the Innovation workstream.
You will work across organisational boundaries to turn ambitious vision into deliverable programmes that drive business growth, supply‑chain development, innovation adoption, inward investment and long‑term economic transformation.
Working closely with government, industry, universities, investors and delivery partners, you will build partnerships, secure investment and ensure that social and economic value is embedded throughout programmedelivery.
Key responsibilities
- Act as Senior Responsible Owner for designated Trent Supercluster workstreams
- Lead strategic planning, delivery and performance management across assigned programmes
- Establish clear outcomes, delivery models and success measures aligned to Supercluster and EMCCA priorities
- Develop robust business cases and investment propositions to secure future funding
- Ensure effective stewardship of public and partner investment, delivering value for money and measurable impact
- Lead the Business, Industry and Supply Chain workstream across the Trent Supercluster programme
- Drive business growth, inward investment and supply‑chain development opportunities
- Develop regional supply‑chain intelligence, resilience assessments and opportunity pipelines
- Establish and develop the Supercluster Business Organisation as a strategic platform for engagement, collaboration and growth
- Ensure local businesses are well positioned to access emerging opportunities generated by the Supercluster
- Provide strategic leadership for the Innovation workstream
- Develop partnerships with universities, research organisations and industry leaders
- Support innovation pilots, demonstrators and collaborative programmes
- Create pathways for innovation adoption, commercialisation and scale‑up
- Ensure innovation activity delivers tangible economic and market impact
- Embed social and economic value outcomes across all Supercluster programmes
- Provide senior leadership across complex partnerships and stakeholder networks
- Resolve issues, manage interdependencies and build consensus across organisations
- Act as a visible ambassador and advocate for the Trent Supercluster
- Develop and communicate a compelling narrative to government, investors and key stakeholders
- Maintain effective governance, reporting and assurance arrangements
- Provide strategic advice and recommendations to governance boards, senior leaders and stakeholders
- Ensure compliance with statutory, financial and governance requirements
- Monitor performance, risks and programme outcomes across designated workstreams
About you
We are looking for a highly credible strategic leader with experience delivering complex programmes and building successful partnerships across the public and private sectors.
Key competencies:
- Significant experience leading activity across complex partnerships involving multiple stakeholders
- Strong experience working with government, industry, academia and delivery organisations
- Understanding of public sector governance, accountability and decision‑making environments
- Proven ability to deliver complex programmes in challenging stakeholder settings
- Experience working within governance, assurance and value-for-money frameworks
- Strong influencing and relationship management skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence engaging senior audiences
- Experience of innovation, research and development, and the commercialisation or adoption of new technologies
- Experience within sectors such as energy, engineering, advanced manufacturing, industrial strategy or innovation
- Understanding of regional growth, regeneration and supply‑chain development
- Experience working on or alongside nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) or similarly complex programmes
- Understanding of workforce development, skill pathways and economic growth drivers
Qualifications
- Degree‑level qualification, or equivalent professional experience, in a relevant discipline such as business, science, engineering or a related field
- Membership of a relevant professional body and/or evidence of continuing professional development
Our values
- Working together – building strong and collaborative relationships
- Making an impact – turning ideas into real improvements
- Being human – valuing diversity and authentic engagement
Benefits
- Up to 10 days paid leave in a 12‑month period for caring responsibilities
- Recognition Scheme
- A hybrid work model with remote working opportunities
- Maternity, Paternity, IVF, Adopters and Foster Carers support
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- 30 days holiday (plus 2 with continuous service) + bank holidays + your birthday (up to five extra days through salary sacrifice)
