IUKBC: Knowledge Transfer Manager – AgriFood – Livestock and Aquaculture

Purpose of the role

Livestock and aquaculture are a key part of the £120 billion AgriFood sector in the UK. Livestock represents a significant proportion of the agricultural sector both by value and land use area, and aquaculture is an important industry sector producing high-value exports, and with strong growth potential around the world. Innovation is crucial to ensure success in the sector, and also to deliver targets related to Net Zero and key UN Sustainable Development Goals. We are looking to recruit a new team member that can enhance our deep expertise and powerful connections, and drive positive change in this important industry sector.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join us in driving innovation within the AgriFood sector, with a particular emphasis on supporting those companies working in livestock and aquaculture. The role will facilitate business growth and help promote and drive knowledge transfer between the science and technology base and industry, promoting networking and accelerating innovation relevant to AgriFood businesses. You will help catalyse the development of new technology enabled products and processes that will benefit businesses, the economy, the environment and society.

The post will be varied, working with businesses across the AgriFood sector but with a focus on opportunities driven by industrial challenges of the livestock and aquaculture industries. An appreciation of, or experience in the use of science and innovation within these industries is required.

Roles and Responsibilities

To lead innovation and business growth in Livestock and Aquaculture, as well as other areas of AgriFood including farmer engagement, displaying significant technical expertise and experience in these key areas.
Leading/supporting delivery of large and complex projects and programmes of activity, particularly the ongoing delivery of the Farming Innovation Programme in partnership with Innovate UK and Defra.
Managing and motivating delivery teams, to ensure effective operational management, and cohesive delivery.
Build and influence a strong and engaged community of UK innovators/innovation stakeholders within the AgriFood sector, with a particular focus on business. This includes leadership and delivery of the high-profile Advisory Groups, as well as management of relationships with key stakeholders such as Innovate UK and Defra.
Directly engage with businesses providing support through access to investment and making new connections and collaborations.
To engage businesses with UK research and innovation assets (including the UK AgriTech Centre/Catapults) and engage with business communities through our networks and sector development growth projects.
Develop, maintain and monitor relationships with Innovate UK Business Connect members and key stakeholders including regular company visits.
Develop a broad network of strategically aligned contacts and build senior level external partnerships.
Identify and Champion defined areas of importance to the UK economy such as AgriTech in Livestock and Aquaculture, or areas of emerging potential.
Deliver key business metrics, and track progress, capturing outcomes and success stories.
Lead/manage a series of key programmes and/or events of relevance to a key UK industry sector or strategic technology.
Act as a network facilitator within and across key, strategic communities.
Engage across Innovate UK Business Connect to stimulate cross-sector collaboration and support/mentor colleagues.
Undertake reporting obligations in line with Innovate UK Business Connect goals for impact measurement.
Lead on workshops/programme delivery, with high levels of company seniority or complexity.
Take responsibility for complex and new areas, scoping out the challenge and defining knowledge transfer activities to meet a defined outcome.
Identify new opportunities that can support the specific project and subsequent projects.

Experience & Skills

Essential Experience

A background in a relevant science, agriculture or related discipline is required to degree level, or equivalent experience.
Experience at a technical, academic or business level with the agriculture sector (and preferably experience in livestock or aquaculture), with knowledge and experience in a business-relevant field in the private sector desirable.
Experience of delivering projects for external customers or working with industrial collaborators would be advantageous.
An awareness of innovation facilitation, knowledge transfer or business development processes would be beneficial.

Desirable Experience

Familiarity with the UK innovation ecosystem and a strong network across government, industry, research.

Skills

Highly motivated, self-starting and results oriented individual with leadership qualities and experience.
Team player with good relationship building and influencing skills; enjoys working in a collaborative manner in an open and diverse environment.
Strong communicator with well-developed written and verbal skills, able to translate complex topics for a broad audience.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with and understand the needs and capabilities with stakeholders across a range of technical and/or industrial disciplines.
Knowledgeable about the challenges and opportunities in Livestock and Aquaculture, wider agricultural innovation needs, and farmer-led innovation support.
High level of IT literacy and organisational skills.

Benefits & how to apply

Salary £48,685 pa
28 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
Enhanced Pension Plan
Life Assurance
Employee Assistance Programme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Wider Wallet employee benefits high street discounts scheme
Opportunities for continuous professional development as part of our Talent & Development Programme.

This is a maternity cover until August 2026.

This advert will close on Sunday 8th June.

First stage interviews will be held w/c 16th June

Second stage interviews will be held w/c 23rd and 30th June.

Please apply by submitting a tailored cover letter outlining your suitability with specifics relating to the requirements of the role, and your CV outlining your experience.

Applicants must have the existing and ongoing right to work in the UK without restrictions as sponsorship for visas is not provided. Unfortunately, owing to the high number of applications received, we can only provide feedback to applicants selected for interview.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

Should you wish to discuss this opportunity further, please contact the Recruitment Team by email to recruitment@iukbc.org.uk.

Innovate UK Business Connect strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where we can all be ourselves. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry: people of colour, LGBTQ+ community, women, disabled people, people of any age or family status. We know that diversity makes us stronger and we strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to removing barriers for individuals with conditions, illnesses or disabilities and we will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, and in their future role.

If you would like to request any reasonable adjustment, for any part of the recruitment process (including application), please let us know by emailing recruitment@iukbc.org.uk

About Innovate UK Business Connect

We connect ideas, people, and communities to drive innovation that changes lives.

Innovation is complex. The journey from idea to market is not straightforward and requires a diverse range of know-how, investment, market knowledge and research. Innovate UK Business Connect exists to connect innovators with new partners and new opportunities beyond their existing thinking – accelerating ambitious ideas into real-world solutions.

The future holds both challenges and opportunities. We are passionate about working with innovative businesses to overcome these challenges and shape the opportunities and solutions that follow.

Our vision is to create a network of innovators so powerful its ideas will change the world.

While business is at the heart of our work, our diverse connections span government, funders, research and the third sector. This unrivalled overview and connectivity enable us to be a trusted guide through a complex global landscape of research, development, and innovation.