Head of Project – RISE (Research & Innovation Sussex Excellence)

This new role is an exciting opportunity to develop and lead a university led research and innovation programme for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in West Sussex. 

Research and Innovation Sussex Excellence (RISE) is a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and West Sussex County Council funded project which is designed to help businesses create the opportunity and culture to undertake innovation activity, It provides SMEs with access to university expertise to enable businesses to innovate new products, services and processes.  

The projects seeks to provide SMEs, located primarily within West Sussex with enhanced access to innovation support to enable them to pivot and unlock sustainable productivity growth through the adoption and enhancement of new-to-market products/services or new-to-company products/services or processes. As the Head of Project, you should have:

The ability to create a clear innovation business support programme working within a partnership.

Extensive knowledge, experience and analytical thinking to shape the processes needed to enhance SME innovation capacity across West Sussex.

A clear understanding of innovation challenges facing SMEs as well as the innovation tools that are crucial to implementing new ideas. 

Extensive project management experience with excellent communication and planning skills, as you will line manage two innovation advisors.

A results focused approach, and be resourceful and be able to connect our partners and support SMEs to be innovation active.

The RISE programme is receiving up to £603,514 of funding from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 in England. Grant Reference: 04R20P04387.

We welcome applications from candidates seeking to job share.