R&D Proposals Lead

About the job

Join Digital Catapult as our new R&D Proposals Lead and play a critical role in shaping the UK's future in advanced digital technologies. Operating between pre-award operations and strategic bid management, the role will manage a portfolio of proposals across a range of public and private funding sources, ensuring high-quality, timely, and compliant submissions. The role will drive proposal excellence, collaborate closely with internal experts and external partners, and provide subject matter guidance on funder expectations and internal policies. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO (Duties)

• Lead the development and submission of high-value, complex R&D grant proposals and commercial bids.
• Coordinate internal bid teams and ensure quality, timely submissions across multiple departments.
• Interpret funder documentation and advise on requirements, compliance, and internal processes.
• Support budget development aligned with full economic costing (FEC) and funder guidelines.
• Improve internal systems for pre-award proposal management and bid development.
• Drive proposal content strategy including impact, innovation, and collaboration sections.

Requirements

• Proven experience managing and submitting R&D grant proposals or commercial bids.
• Strong understanding of public funding sources (e.g. UKRI, Innovate UK, EC Horizon).
• Skilled in stakeholder coordination, communication, and navigating tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with FEC principles and proposal budget development.
• Demonstrated ability to write, review and enhance proposal narratives and documentation.
• Previous experience in or supporting innovation or R&D environments. 

Deadline for Applications: 30^th June 2025 

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society. 

We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated.

As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process.

Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer. 

Benefits

• We are in the UK's Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK's Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
• 5% performance related bonus
• Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.
• Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, Bank Holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year:
• Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary;
• 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension;
• E-Vehicle Scheme; Cycle2Work; Tech Scheme; Gym Discounts; Give As you Earn; PerkPal;
• Life insurance 4x salary;
• Free to access EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice;
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave;
• Hybrid working - with great offices to work from 2 days per week with some roles needing to be onsite more regularly to ensure the successful delivery of our work;
• Investment in your ongoing learning and development with us;
• Company social events throughout the year and free office snacks! 

We use moments in the year to educate everyone at Digital Catapult on different aspects of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to raise awareness.

We also enjoy socialising and having fun together through a variety of company-wide events held throughout the year including our football team, running and climbing groups and volunteering activities. 

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