This is a unique opportunity to work with a variety of programmes and delivery streams within a small and flexible team. We are looking for a motivated candidate with experience in SME development and a great ability to build lasting professional relationships. As the team has grown, we are also looking for someone who can represent SJICL working with the various stakeholders of our key programmes and contributing to our wider portfolio of programmes where appropriate.
VACANCY
Innovation and Growth Specialist (Full Time)
Salary £50k plus benefits
Since 2018, the St John’s Innovation Park has changed from the simple colocation of several buildings to an area with a sense of place, shared services and common identity where joint social and training events are held and communication on a Park-wide basis has stepped up. As a result of expansion, we are pleased to advertise this exciting role which will continue our engagement in the wider ecosystem.
Our Innovation and Growth team is expanding, and we are looking for an Innovation and Growth Specialist with experience of supporting innovative and ambitious businesses to achieve growth and scale. This is a unique opportunity to work with a variety of programmes and delivery streams within a small and flexible team. We are looking for a motivated candidate with experience in SME development and a great ability to build lasting professional relationships. As the team has grown, we are also looking for someone who can represent SJICL working with the various stakeholders of our key programmes and contributing to our wider portfolio of programmes where appropriate.
As a member of our Innovation and Growth Team, the Innovation and Growth Specialist will:
- Working with the Innovation and Growth team, use their skills and tools provided to assess and understand the specific needs of innovation-led high growth potential SMEs. The relevant businesses will include members of the St John’s Innovation Centre and/or St John’s Innovation Park, companies in the wider Cambridge area and East of England and other areas depending on the criteria of the programmes
- Working with the Innovation and Growth team, provide tailored support to the companies’ growth and scaling needs, connecting them with people and opportunities that will accelerate their growth both in the UK and internationally, by being agile, flexible and responsive, supporting them effectively and at a pace set by them
- Working with the Innovation and Growth team to provide funding and finance support to help clients become more investment ready and raise the funds they require for growth and scale
- Working with the Innovation and Growth team to generate a pipeline of leads, identifying potential companies that require business support by using excellent networking skills, attending relevant organisations within Cambridge and the East of England, building good relationships to further develop both St John’s Innovation Centre and St John’s Innovation Park and promoting the programmes we deliver. This may be by making presentations to interested groups, delivering workshops, attending conferences and leading events
- To work with the Innovation and Growth team team to deliver the contractual requirements of all programmes including high quality reporting, development of success stories/case studies and CRM updates
- To be part of the public facing team of the Centre for visits and for networking and speaking events
- To contribute to content and deliver training and workshops in line with the programme requirements of the team
- To work alongside the operational and services team at the Centre, to support the activities promoted with the aim of ensuring that the Centre and Park operates to its full potential
- To recognise the importance of capturing key data within internal and external systems, contributing to planning and financial processes.
Qualifications/Skills/Experience/Person Profile
1+ years business experience in successful SME Proven business coaching skills | Knowledge of and wider contacts around the Cambridge Cluster and East of England region. Excellent networking and presentation skills | Capable of supporting events, giving high quality presentations and delivering impactful training |
Knowledge of SME issues, ability to work with high-potential firms and support them to deliver impacts
Knowledge in supporting SMEs to access different sources of funding and finance | Capable of working well independently and with the team. To have a willingness to increase skills in providing impactful support for SMEs.
Willing to learn from other team members. Good interpersonal skills. Ability to make things happen including loading the dishwasher occasionally | IT literate, input to CRM systems, Microsoft Office Suite & report writing skills will be essential.
Role requires individuals to manage own administration, CRM, timesheets, company files within company systems. |
Company Culture
- The Centre exists to provide a dynamic and supportive environment to accelerate the growth of ambitious innovative firms in Cambridge and as such we aim for a similar environment for our staff.
- To support the overall aims of the Centre on a collegial basis
- A passion to help entrepreneurs excel
Closing date for applications: Friday 20 June 2025 with first interviews taking place week of 23 June 2025.
Please send your CV and covering letter to cmaresca@stjohns.co.uk