Knowledge Transfer Manager Rail

Purpose of the Role

The applicant must be a visionary leader with rail technical expertise with a strong knowledge of the rail innovation landscape. 

To lead and deliver programmes of work to enable business transformation and implementation of new rail solutions. With significant industry experience, the post holder should be able to work effectively with senior government officials and industry leaders. With experience of working with a range of stakeholders, you will be quick thinking, proactive and experienced in operating in a dynamic environment. 

Innovate UK KTN Transport Strategy

The Transport Team at Innovate UK KTN have four priority areas:

1)    Zero Emission Transport
Our aim is to help expedite the transition to zero emission transport, this means focusing on not only carbon emissions but non-CO2 and particulates. We will connect innovators to the right experts, services, technology and finance to develop their project. We will use insight and intelligence to inform our focus areas to build and strengthen zero emission supply chains. 

2)    Automation 

Automation is a key enabler to reducing emissions, improving efficiencies in movements, and improving safety across the modes. We work to translate the technologies developed in the automotive industry to other modes and build the supply chains to maximise deployment commercialisation.

3)    Connected transport

Digital and physical connectivity creates a more efficient transport system. We work with businesses to help them leverage data, digital technologies and create new business models to generate a more seamless door-to-door transport system.

4)    Accessible and Inclusive Transport

Everyone has the right to access transport. Disabilities impact 13.9 million people in the UK with a lack of accessible transport constituting a significant barrier to life. We work with transport operators, innovators, and disability communities to implement novel technologies, business models and services to ensure transport is accessible by all.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Innovate UK KTNs rail programme to ensure project deliverables and KPIs are met.
• Provide effective people and project management, nurturing a team culture and conducive to high performance. 
• 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.
• Supporting the delivery of innovation programmes. Utilising subject matter expertise to help shape innovation programmes and engage with a range of stakeholders across the value chain and connect where appropriate to enable business transformation. 
• You will play an integral role in helping develop UK’s rail innovation ecosystem. You will be required to keep abreast of technical developments and key stakeholder strategies and delivery plans.
• You will be an active participant in Innovate UK KTNs Innovation Exchange (iX) programme that helps challenge holders find solutions to real world problems and increase their productivity. 
• Develop and maintain a broad knowledge of government’s policies to ensure the relevant context is maintained to support and drive effective activities.
• Be continuously aware of the latest research and information as well as gathering and analysing insights to inform future programmes of work. 
• Draft correspondence, produce presentations and reports with technical context and proofread documents with a high attention to detail. 
• Deliver key business metrics agreed with the line manager, and to track progress, capturing outcomes and impact.
• Undertake reporting obligations in line with Innovate UK KTN goals for impact measurement.
• Lead on workshops/programme delivery, with high levels of company seniority or complexity.

Essential experience 

• Demonstrable experience of working in rail within an innovation context.
• Degree or equivalent.
• Leadership experience in the sector. 
• Experience of government policies and research and innovation strategies.
• Experience in business development and programme design essential.
• Demonstrable financial expertise to provide effective management of project budgets. 
• Experience in managing/leading projects/programmes. 
• Identifying opportunities and designing effective activities to deliver business transformation. 
• Track record in knowledge transfer and innovation, demonstrating the impact of such experience.

Skills

• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with a proven ability in working effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. 
• Confident in working closely with diverse senior leaders or groups internally and externally, with an ability to persuade, influence and motivate people and teams at all levels. 
• Able to produce accurate written documents in a variety of styles to a very high standard. 
• Effective communicator.
• Strong analytical, problem solving and collaboration skills. 
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Thorough understanding of the industry; strong personal network of stakeholders in many companies and demonstrable reputation for representing business at conferences and workshops.
• Knowledgeable in key technologies (or equivalent) with excellent links into key UK research centres.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate confidently and build effective relationships.
• Team player with good relationship building and influencing skills; enjoys working in a collaborative manner in an open, honest, and diverse environment.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively across multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders, explaining complicated matters simply
• High level of IT literacy.
• A self-starter with a proactive approach.

Benefits

• This role has a salary of £52,000 to £58,000 pa depending on experience
• 28 days annual leave plus 10.5 bank and public 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 advert will close on Wednesday 7th June though some circumstances may require us to close earlier, so early application is advised.
First stage interviews to be held w/c 12th June
Second stage interviews to be held w/c 19th 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.
The postholder will be home based (UK) or out of our London, Harwell or Edinburgh offices with frequent UK travel.
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.
Should you wish to discuss this opportunity further, please contact the Recruitment Team by email to recruitment@iuk.ktn-uk.org.
Innovate UK KTN 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@iuk.ktn-uk.org.