Innovate Executive

  • Invest NI
  • Jan 17, 2026
Full time

Job Description

Innovate Executive (IEDP/26)

Innovate NI Team - Innovation, Research & Development Division

Salary starting £47,304 per annum plus attractive pension

Invest Northern Ireland is looking for ambitious Innovation and Growth Specialists to join our Innovate NI Team which sits within our Innovation, Research and Development Division, based in our Bedford Square Headquarters.

The role

Supporting a diverse range of businesses from early-stage start-ups to mid-sized companies across all sectors, ensuring each business receives the right advice and support at the right time.

Reporting to the Northern Ireland Project Manager for Innovate NI, within the Innovation, Research and Development division of Invest NI, the post holder will play a key role in delivering the Innovate NI programme. Innovate NI is a Department for the Economy initiative, delivered by Invest NI, aimed at helping SMEs achieve growth and success through effective innovation.

The role involves supporting a diverse range of businesses from early-stage start-ups to larger mid-sized companies across all sectors. A key focus will be on ensuring that each business receives the right advice and support at the right time, tailored to their specific innovation journey.

The candidate

You will have experience within the last 8 years of assessing and understanding innovative business projects, including identifying specific needs and challenges faced by SMEs. You should have a track record of supporting and advising SMEs across key stages of the innovation pathway, whilst building and maintaining effective relationships.

With excellent communication and interpersonal skills, you will be a confident and capable presenter, delivering clear and compelling messages in formal and informal settings. You will need strong analytical skills, with the ability to read, interpret, and understand complex information across a variety of business sectors and innovation projects.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits including:

  • Hybrid working
  • Flexi-time
  • Access to NICS Pension Scheme
  • 25 days annual leave plus 12 statutory days

For further information and to submit your application, click the apply icon.

Closing date for receipt of applications is noon on 30th January 2026 (GMT).

Invest NI is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community. At this time, it particularly welcomes applications from females, people with disabilities and from minority ethnic groups.