Applications must be submitted by; 25-08-2025 Innovation Lead - OFGEM SIF Programme This is an exciting and varied role developing the technical/innovation aspects of the programme. A good understanding of energy markets, price controls, Ofgem and network companies is key. *Please note this advert will close on the 24th August 2025 at 23.59pm. Watch our video “Why Join Innovate UK?” here. Title: Innovation Lead - OFGEM SIF Programme Band: UKRI Band F (UKRI Ts & Cs) Salary: £56,745 gross per annum Reports to: H ead of Innovation - Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Location: Field based Contract: Permanent Innovate UK recognises the importance of work-life balance and we will be happy to discuss any requests for flexible working arrangements. Context: Innovate UK and Ofgem are collaborating to deliver a strategic innovation programme (circa £450m pa) which will: increase innovation alignment across Ofgem, UKRI and the wider energy innovation landscape, to improve the benefits of innovation spending for all these organisations demonstrate network innovation (funded by the RIIO price control) at a scale that secures further private and public sector investment provide a clear route to market to ensure innovation becomes business as usual for businesses promote effective and efficient business growth regionally, nationally and internationally. This collaboration reflects Ofgem’s mission to supervise network companies to deliver Net Zero at the lowest possible cost to consumers and Innovate UK’s mission to create UK businesses with the potential for high growth in order to facilitate a more joined up and impactful programme of energy system innovation. We particularly welcome female applicants as women are under-represented within Innovate UK in this type of role. Job Purpose: This is an exciting and varied role developing the technical/innovation aspects of the programme. A good understanding of energy markets, price controls, Ofgem and network companies is key. You will design important components of the innovation funding programme to meet the dual ambitions of Ofgem and Innovate UK. We are keen to hear from applicants who demonstrate understanding of how innovation funding drives investible propositions, and the types of projects that could deliver a net-zero future. This role requires you to work in an agile manner with Ofgem, network companies and other partners. You will be iterating and developing the ongoing innovation strategy for the programme and partnering on innovation with other funding organisations. We aim to increase the pipeline of innovative ideas to innovation competitions. The role will involve partnering with regulatory and policy teams. Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities: Development and delivery of the multi-disciplinary innovation component of the IUK/Ofgem programme. Shaping this in line with the agreed strategic vision and objectives. From programme implementation to benefits and impact realisation. Implementing programmes aligned with energy markets, price controls, Ofgem, network companies and innovators to develop and deliver an ‘innovation rollout community’ around electricity and gas networks, rolling out the best innovations to the UK and internationally Designing interventions with investors at the outset, so that the innovations developed are investible Engagement and collaboration across UKRI and UK government departments. Helping to align energy systems funding and using the knowledge and capability of other teams to realise success Developing all steps of the competition process in partnership with the other team members. This includes setting up competitions and the assessment process. Then managing the monitoring stage gating and evaluation of projects. Setting innovation challenges and helping the industry to form high performing project partnerships. Developing strong relationships across Innovate UK with operations, finance and external monitor officers Promotion of the programme based on an excellent understanding of relevant industries and technologies. Communicating the strategy internally and externally, developing understanding, consensus, and influence. Representing the programme and providing thought-leadership in key public and government forums. Building strong working relationships with relevant bodies and groups. Including businesses, trade associations, Catapults, government departments, private investors, regulatory bodies and research organisations. Identifying and establishing new partnership arrangements to utilise a range funding types and support to businesses. Leveraging the resources of the wider Innovate UK network (Knowledge Transfer Network, Enterprise Europe Network, Catapults etc.) to develop programmes which deliver impact. Ensure that UK activity is internationally recognized, competitive, and builds on regional strengths across the UK. Represent Innovate UK and UKRI at events (such as conferences, meetings, workshops) and in the media as appropriate, developing a strong network of partners. This is not an exhaustive list and you might be encouraged to undertake any other duties across the wider directorate, commensurate with the Band and level of responsibility of this post, for which the post holder has the key experience and/or training. Shortlisting criteria (S) – Assessed at shortlisting (I) – Assessed at interview (S&I) – Assessed at both shortlisting and interview Person Specification: This position requires a person with commercial awareness who can manage contending priorities between multiple partners and organisations. We are looking for someone able to make sense of multiple information sources and articulate a clear and compelling vision. Someone who can effectively communicate what needs to be done to deliver a world leading Net Zero innovation programme, and whom can translate this vision into a series of targets. We are building an ambitious, supportive and knowledgeable team environment.The successful applicant should be a team player, willing to share knowledge on clean growth and to learn from others. We are looking for a motivated self-starter with an excellent ability to communicate to wide audiences in an engaging manner. Someone with the ability to identify and build positive collaborations and strategic partnerships to deliver against Innovate UK’s Net Zero Innovation Strategy. Experience & Qualifications: Essential – Degree or post-graduate qualification in a subject relevant to clean growth or significant proven experience. (S) Good knowledge of energy markets, price controls, Ofgem and the energy network companies. (S&I) Delivery of (or collaboration with) energy innovation projects and working with gas or electricity energy network companies. (S&I) A good understanding of the energy system innovation funding landscape. (I) Ideally, working with investors to understand how to develop innovation that will be investable. (S) Working collaboratively with a public body on regulation or policy. (S) Up-to-date and broad-based knowledge of innovation in clean growth. (S&I) Appreciation of the key businesses and initiatives relevant to clean growth in the UK, and the main challenges and opportunities that exist. (I) Knowledge and experience of innovation in a commercial environment, and a broad understanding of the support companies need to develop and deploy new technology. (S) Some familiarity with the early-stage research environment, and how research and innovation programmes develop through to deployment and impact. (S&I) Experience of developing clear, ambitious, compelling and achievable work streams relating to clean growth that have contributed to the objectives of a wider organisational strategy. (S&I) Experience of communication, consultation, and liaison with a range of organisations related to clean growth. These might include businesses, government departments, trade bodies, regulators, and catapults, to develop partnerships and influence agendas. (S&I) Competencies: All team members demonstrate compatibility with and capability against our Core Competencies such as: Thinking and Problem Solving – Stakeholder management – Communication skills – Influencing – Self-awareness/self-management – Strategic awareness – Working with others– Project management Some of the above competencies will be assessed at interview stage, in addition to the criteria’s listed in the person specification. Travel Requirements: Field-based: There will a requirement to travel, mostly national, and there is some flexibility in this. Innovate UK staff make extensive use of telepresence tools for meetings to minimise unnecessary travel. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Innovate UK is a diverse workforce of people. We believe that encouraging these differences and drawing the best from them will build a productive environment in which everyone feels valued, where talents are fully utilised and in which organisational goals are met. Underpinning this is a belief that it is a fundamental right for everyone to be treated equally, with fairness, respect and dignity. We will act directly and use our influence to ensure that this right is promoted and upheld; we encourage applications from all those who meet the criteria set-out in our role profiles. Equal Opportunities: We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to employing any person who meets the criteria for our roles. When undertaking recruitment we may require applicants to undertake certain tests or assessments, some of which will be online and others may be in-person. If you have a disability, heath condition or specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia then you may be entitled to support with undertaking this type of assessment exercise. Where you feel that reasonable adjustments are required to support you, we ask that you advise your recruitment point of contact in a timely fashion, providing further information. In confidence, Innovate UK will then review your application for adjustments and provide support as required. UK Research and Innovation: Innovate UK is partner organisation within UK Research and Innovation. If successful in securing the position, your employer will be UK Research and Innovation. More information can be found online http://www.ukri.org/. Employee Benefits: We offer a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance. This includes 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege days, flexible working hours, an exceptional defined benefit pension scheme, and access to a variety of support networks and discount schemes. Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Flexible Working: We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants. Pre-employment Screening: To enable us to hire the very best people we will conduct a comprehensive pre-employment check on successful applicants as part of the recruitment process. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment. UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider how this aligns with your personal values or beliefs. To enable us to hire the very best people we will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as a crucial part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check. Applications must be submitted by; 25-08-2025