Innovation Grant Lead

Job Description Innovation Grant LeadNovus Capital| Harrogate, North Yorkshire | Full-time, PermanentSalary Range:38,000 - 40,000 per annum + up to 30% performance bonusReports to:Innovation Funding DirectorAbout Novus CapitalNovus Capital is a specialist R&D tax relief and government funding consultancy that helps innovative businesses unlock the financial support and non-dilutive funding. We work with high-growth startups, scale-ups and established SMEs across a range of sectors including software technology, biotech, fintech, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and life sciences. Our grant success rates consistently outperform national averages and we take pride in building long-term partnerships with the businesses we support.We sponsor and partner with leading innovation platforms including Britain's Got Startups and Soapbox, a VC news outlet, giving us strong visibility across the UK startup and investor landscape.The RoleWe're looking for an experienced Innovation Grant Lead to join our growing team in Harrogate. You will be responsible for identifying, matching and securing grant funding for our clients from UK and European programmes including Innovate UK, ARIA, Scottish Enterprise, Horizon Europe and other public funding bodies.This is a hands-on role. You will work directly with clients to understand their innovation projects, assess eligibility across multiple funding streams, write compelling grant applications and manage the full lifecycle from opportunity identification through to post-award compliance. You will also represent Novus Capital at industry events, conferences and talks, building our profile in the innovation funding space.There is also the opportunity to develop and grow the role to support our portfolio of R&D tax clients.Key ResponsibilitiesGrant Identification and MatchingMonitor and track open funding competitions across Innovate UK (IFS), ARIA, Scottish Enterprise, Welsh Government, Horizon Europe, Catapult centres, KTPs and other relevant programmesAssess client projects against eligibility criteria, scoring frameworks and strategic fitProactively match clients to suitable funding opportunities and advise on timing and positioningGrant Writing and Application ManagementLead the writing of high-quality grant applications, including technical narratives, work packages, impact statements and financial justificationsTranslate complex technical and commercial concepts into clear, assessor-friendly languageManage multiple concurrent applications to tight deadlinesCoordinate with client technical teams, finance teams and academic partners to gather inputsClient Relationship ManagementBuild trusted advisory relationships with a portfolio of highly innovative clientsConduct initial project scoping calls and innovation assessmentsProvide strategic advice on funding roadmaps - sequencing applications to maximise success and total funding securedDeliver post-award support including project reporting, change requests and complianceRepresentation and Business DevelopmentRepresent Novus Capital at industry events, innovation conferences, Innovate UK briefings and networking functionsDeliver presentations and talks on grant funding opportunities and best practiceContribute to thought leadership content (blogs, guides, case studies)Support business development activity by identifying grant opportunities that open doors to new client relationshipsWhat We're Looking ForEssentialMinimum 3 years' experience writing and managing grant applications for UK public funding programmes (Innovate UK / UKRI essential)Demonstrable track record of successful grant awards with quantifiable outcomesStrong understanding of Innovate UK assessment criteria, scoring methodology and portfolio decision-makingExperience working with technology-led SMEs and startups across multiple sectorsExcellent technical writing skills with the ability to articulate complex innovation in plain, persuasive EnglishAbility to manage multiple applications simultaneously under deadline pressureStrong interpersonal skills and confidence engaging with senior leadership, CTOs and technical foundersUnderstanding of Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), innovation lifecycles and commercialisation pathwaysDegree-level education (or equivalent experience) in a STEM, business or innovation-related disciplineDesirableExperience with Horizon Europe (including consortium-based proposals), ARIA programmes or Scottish Enterprise fundingKnowledge of R&D tax relief and how grant funding interacts with other innovation incentivesExperience with KTP (Knowledge Transfer Partnership) applicationsFamiliarity with SBRI (Small Business Research Initiative) competitionsUnderstanding of state aid / subsidy control rulesExperience delivering presentations or workshops at industry eventsExisting network within the UK innovation ecosystem (Innovate UK, KTNs, Catapults, universities)Other relevant professional qualifications such as Project Management or Innovation Management certificationsWhat You'll GetSalary: 38,000 40,000 per annumBonus: Up to 30% performance-based bonus linked to successful grant outcomesLocation: Harrogate, North Yorkshire.Our team is in the office on average three days per week, with some flexibilityTravel: Regular travel to client sites across the UK, plus industry events and conferences (occasional European travel for Horizon Europe-related work)Equity: Opportunity to earn shares in the business as we growGrowth: Direct mentorship from our Innovation Funding Director and exposure to a diverse client portfolioImpact: Work with some of the UK's most innovative businesses at the cutting edge of their sectorsCulture: A small, ambitious team where your work has a direct and visible impactHow to ApplyPlease send your CV and a short cover letter to [email protected] outlining your grant writing experience and a brief example of a successful application you led. We would love to hear about: the programme, the funding secured, and what made the application stand out.Novus Capital is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse team.

Created: 2026-03-20