Subject Matter Expert Business Growth

Contract Civic Recruitment Limited United Kingdom

Posted On 30/03/2026

Job Information

Work Experience 4-5 years

Management

City Cardiff

Province Cardiff (Caerdydd GB-CRD)

Postal Code CF24

Job Description

6 month contract role with a Local Authority

Job Summary

• The Subject Matter Expert: Business Growth - Management will play a pivotal role in delivering the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) Investment Zone, a major initiative aimed at accelerating innovation-led economic growth across South East Wales.
• Reporting to the Director of Regional Growth & Investment, the postholder will provide specialist expertise in research, development, innovation, and business growth.
• The role will shape, design and implement high-impact programmes aligned with CCR's Regional Economic and Industrial Plan, with a focus on high-value sectors such as compound semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
• Working across public, private, academic, and government partners, the SME will ensure interventions are evidence-based, strategically aligned and deliver measurable outcomes for the region.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample)

• Provide strategic leadership to shape and drive CCR's Research, Development & Innovation priorities within the Investment Zone.
• Engage with industry clusters and gather market intelligence to inform policy, programme development and investment decisions.
• Design, manage and deliver innovation-focused programmes that support productivity, competitiveness, and business growth.
• Develop robust business cases, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and public sector investment requirements.
• Build and sustain partnerships with industry, Welsh Government, UK Government, academia and investors to attract inward investment.
• Oversee contract and procurement management to ensure compliant and value-for-money delivery.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on programme performance, including impact measurement.
• Provide leadership, guidance and direction within the Investment Zone Delivery Team.
• Contribute to creating the conditions for innovation-led, high-productivity, high-value job creation in CCR.

Skills/Experience

• Proven experience in research, development and innovation strategy, preferably within high-value sectors.
• Strong understanding of regional economic development, productivity drivers and innovation ecosystems.
• Demonstrable experience working across public, private and academic sectors in a multi-governance environment.
• Ability to design, lead and deliver complex programmes from inception through to implementation.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, diplomacy, and cross-sector collaboration.
• Expertise in developing business cases and securing investment.
• Strong analytical, commercial and policy acumen.
• Experience in monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting.
• Excellent leadership, communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage procurement, contracts and partner delivery arrangements.
• Understanding of inward investment approaches and investment attraction strategies.

Additional Information

• Work pattern: Hybrid - remote with 2-3 days per week based at Sbarc Spark, Cardiff.
• Occasional weekend or evening work may be required.
• Ability to travel across the region is essential.