Location
Flexible / Hybrid (UK or EU preferred)
(Remote considered with relevant experience)
Role Summary:
Gooddrop is seeking a
Grant Fund Manager
to accelerate our R&D and innovation roadmap by securing
non-dilutive funding
from public, philanthropic, and institutional grant sources.
This role is responsible for identifying relevant grant opportunities, leading high-quality bid development, and managing submissions that support Gooddrop's mission to build a
traceable, sustainable cotton to yarn supply chain
through advanced growing, processing, and data technologies.
The successful candidate will work closely with leadership, technical teams, and external partners to translate innovation into compelling, fundable proposals.
Key Responsibilities:
Grant Strategy and Opportunity Identification
* Research, monitor, and assess
grant funding opportunities
across UK, EU, and international programmes (e.g. innovation, climate, agri-tech, materials, circular economy, supply-chain resilience).
* Maintain a
grant pipeline
aligned with Gooddrop's R&D priorities and long-term growth strategy.
* Advise leadership on grant suitability, timing, and strategic fit.
Bid Writing and Submission
* Lead end-to-end
grant application development
, including concept notes, full proposals, budgets, and supporting documentation.
* Translate complex technical R&D concepts into
clear, compelling, and funder-aligned narratives
.
* Coordinate inputs from internal teams (engineering, agronomy, data, operations) and external collaborators.
* Ensure submissions meet funder requirements, deadlines, and evaluation criteria.
Stakeholder and Partner Coordination
* Support the development of
consortia and partnerships
where collaborative grants are required.
* Liaise with funding bodies, innovation agencies, and programme managers as appropriate.
* Represent Gooddrop professionally in grant-related communications.
Governance and Reporting
* Maintain accurate records of submissions, outcomes, feedback, and reporting obligations.
* Support post-award activities, including compliance, milestone reporting, and funder updates.
* Help improve internal grant processes and templates over time.
Skills & Experience:
Essential
* Proven experience in
grant fundraising, bid writing, or innovation funding
(public or private).
* Demonstrated success securing
R&D, innovation, or sustainability-focused grants
.
* Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
* Ability to manage multiple deadlines and complex submissions simultaneously.
* Comfortable working with technical teams and synthesising specialist input.
Desirable
* Experience with
UKRI, Innovate UK, Horizon Europe
, or similar programmes.
* Background in
Agri-tech, climate tech, materials science, manufacturing, or sustainability
.
* Understanding of non-dilutive funding strategy within early-stage or scaling companies.
* Familiarity with grant budgeting and financial justification.
Gooddrop offers the successful candidate:
* A pivotal role in shaping the
R&D funding strategy
of a purpose-driven company.
* Direct impact on the development of sustainable materials and supply chains.
* Flexible working arrangements.
* Competitive compensation aligned with experience and outcomes.