A central part of the role will be helping to translate emerging technologies into practical outcomes. Working across technology readiness levels, you will help create pathways from research insight and technical experimentation through to demonstrators, programmes, partnerships, commercial propositions and wider adoption.

You will build trusted relationships across industry, academia, government and the investment community, supporting the development of collaborative programmes and strengthening Digital Catapult's position at the heart of the UK's innovation ecosystem. Key stakeholders will include senior representatives from government departments, funding bodies, universities, research institutes, technology companies, investors and entrepreneurs.

The role carries significant external visibility. You will represent Digital Catapult in industry forums, advisory groups, strategic partnerships and public discussions, contributing informed perspectives on emerging technologies and helping shape conversations around future technology opportunities.

This is a role for someone who combines technical credibility with sound judgement, intellectual curiosity and a genuine interest in helping organisations navigate technological change.

What you will bring

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate:

• Deep Technology Credibility

  • A strong track record within research, innovation or advanced technology environments, with recognised expertise in at least one of Digital Catapult's core technology domains, ideally artificial intelligence, quantum technologies or advanced connectivity technologies. You will possess the credibility to engage with leading researchers, academics, industry leaders and policymakers.

• Technology Strategy and Foresight

  • Experience of defining technology strategies, innovation priorities and long-term roadmaps, informed by a deep understanding of emerging technologies, market trends and future opportunities.

• Research Translation and Innovation

  • A proven ability to connect research excellence with practical application, creating pathways that enable technologies to deliver commercial, industrial or economic value.

• Partnership and Ecosystem Leadership

  • A strong track record of building trusted relationships across government, industry, academia and funding organisations, together with the ability to convene stakeholders around shared innovation challenges and opportunities.

• Leadership and Organisational Development

  • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and developing senior technical leaders, fostering cultures that encourage collaboration, innovation, inclusion and high performance.

• Communication and Influence

  • The ability to communicate complex technical ideas clearly and credibly, influencing a wide range of audiences and representing an organisation effectively at senior levels.

Why join Digital Catapult?

• Lead one of the UK's most respected research, development and innovation functions focused on frontier technologies.
• Work at the forefront of artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and advanced connectivity.
• Engage with government, industry, academia, investors and entrepreneurs across the UK's innovation ecosystem.
• Influence technology roadmaps, research priorities and innovation programmes of national significance.
• Help create pathways that accelerate the adoption and commercialisation of emerging technologies.
• Join an organisation with a clear public purpose, strong technical foundations and a distinctive role within the UK's future growth agenda.

Join us

If you are an accomplished technology and innovation leader who combines technical depth with strategic perspective and are motivated by the opportunity to help organisations realise the potential of emerging technologies, we would welcome a conversation.

At Digital Catapult, we recognise that diverse perspectives strengthen innovation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people from different backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints can contribute and thrive, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

This campaign is being supported by our advising consultants, GatenbySanderson. To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact:

• Sarah Luxford – Partner
• Michelle Atkinson – Principal Consultant
• Martyn Brereton – Senior Researcher

Email: digitalcatapult@gatenbysanderson.com

To access the candidate pack, which includes the full job description and information on how to apply, please click Apply.