Director of Quantum

Job summary

Quantum Technology is recognised a key growth opportunity by the UK government and one in which the UK has the opportunity to be world-leading. After a number of years of technology development, we are now transitioning into the commercialisation period. This will be the crucial phase – it’s where the UK realises the industrial potential for Quantum Technology and we help to create globally leading companies.

This is not business as usual. We are seeking an exceptional leader who can define and create the new approaches required to ensure that the UK’s rapidly-developing Quantum Technology companies grow, scale and remain in the UK.

This will require vision, influence, the ability to manage a complex stakeholder network and the programme leadership competence to deliver a £600m+ portfolio of activities.

Job description

• Develop Innovate UK’s strategy for Quantum Technologies in conjunction with, and informed by, D&T Senior Leadership and IUK SLT, ensuring connectivity and alignment across UKRI.
• Act as the prime Innovate UK focal to DSIT’s Quantum Critical Technology themes and support delivery of government growth objectives for the D&T sector in the Industrial Strategy.

• Act as a key member of the wider quantum technology leadership communities - influencing strategic technical direction at national level across industry and within government.

• Work collaboratively to support the creation and execution of a D&T-level vision and strategy seeking to better align individual technology themes within UKRI and government, where strategically helpful.

• Lead on building and fostering relationships/interaction with Place, Global, Products & Services, IUK Business Connect and Catapults in the pursuit of delivery and programmes and competitions.

• Provide strategic guidance and leadership in the delivery of a portfolio of strategic investment programmes within the D&T Progamme, and industry/company support in developing next generation technologies, products, and services in the area of quantum technologies.

• Deliver IUK programmes in Quantum to cost, quality and schedule requirements.

• Will be an industry leader within the context of quantum directing the advancement of business-led innovation in this field.

• Build, lead and develop a team of technical and innovation specialists in an environment where change will be common.

Person specification

• Recognised leader in quantum technologies with proven influence across industry and government.

• Strong technical credibility and collaborative skills to deliver integrated, multi‑agency programmes involving business and political stakeholders.

• Proven record of leading high‑performance teams and managing complex programmes through change.

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant scientific or technical field.

• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively at Board and Executive level.

• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans and major change initiatives.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £94,931, Innovate UK contributes £27,501 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

UKRI can offer the successful candidate:

• Flexible Working

• 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays

• Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme

• Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider

Visit our dedicated benefits webpage for more info: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Watch our video “Why Join Innovate UK?” here

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

To view the full job description, please click ‘Apply’ to visit our careers site, where you can download the candidate pack and learn more about the role.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

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Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Senior Recruitment Team
• Email : seniorrecruitment@ukri.org

Recruitment team

• Email : seniorrecruitment@ukri.org