R&D Proposals Lead

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)

1. Lead the development and submission of high-value, complex R&D grant proposals and commercial bids.
2. Coordinate internal bid teams and ensure quality, timely submissions across multiple departments.
3. Interpret funder documentation and advise on requirements, compliance, and internal processes.
4. Support budget development aligned with full economic costing (FEC) and funder guidelines.
5. Improve internal systems for pre-award proposal management and bid development.
6. Drive proposal content strategy including impact, innovation, and collaboration sections.
7. Proven experience managing and submitting R&D grant proposals or commercial bids.
8. Strong understanding of public funding sources (e.g., UKRI, Innovate UK, EC Horizon).
9. Skilled in stakeholder coordination, communication, and navigating tight deadlines.
10. Familiarity with FEC principles and proposal budget development.
11. Demonstrated ability to write, review, and enhance proposal narratives and documentation.
12. Previous experience in or supporting innovation or R&D environments.

Deadline for Applications: 23rd June 2025

We are committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. We value diverse backgrounds and aim to build a representative organization of UK society. We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, minority and underrepresented groups, and candidates with varying levels of experience, provided they demonstrate the requisite skills.

As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for all disabled applicants who meet minimum criteria. Please discuss any adjustments needed for the interview process.

Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer.

• Recognized as one of the UK's Top 100 Best Workplaces and in the UK's Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
• 5% performance-related bonus.
• 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 salary.
• Benefits scheme including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance, holiday buying, pension top-up.
• E-Vehicle Scheme, Cycle2Work, Tech Scheme, Gym Discounts, Give As You Earn, PerkPal.
• Life insurance 4x salary.
• Access to EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• Hybrid working model with office presence 2 days/week; some roles may require more onsite work.
• Investment in ongoing learning and development.
• Company social events, free snacks, and vibrant culture with employee-led affinity groups and initiatives on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

We enjoy socialising and engaging in activities like football, running, climbing, and volunteering throughout the year.