Innovation Associate - FTC

Digital Catapult; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Bank Holidays

Discretionary company bonus

Pension scheme

Learning & development

Hybrid working

Company social events

Job summary

Digital Catapult is seeking an Innovation Associate to support the Innovation Manager and team in delivering programmes and projects. This entry-level role is ideal for developing skills in a technology-driven environment, assisting with project delivery, documentation, stakeholder engagement and continual improvement.

You will be based in our UK offices, contribute to events and knowledge sharing, and help monitor project data and risks while learning innovation methods such as design thinking,

Qualifications

• Ideally educated to a degree level in a relevant field or qualified by experience.
• Familiarity with Design Thinking, Lean Startup and Agile.
• Interest in innovation, technology, or digital ecosystems from academic projects, internships, or personal initiatives.
• Strong relationship-building, problem solving and communication skills.
• Experience gathering and maintaining project requirements and documentation.
• Adaptable, proactive and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the delivery and implementation of innovation and acceleration projects.
• Aid with the application of innovation methodologies such as design thinking, lean startup, and agile approaches.
• Help maintain project documentation, databases, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
• Coordinate communication between project stakeholders and internal teams.
• Assist in organising innovation events, workshops, and collaborative initiatives.
• Collect and compile data for project performance metrics and reporting.
• Identify and elevate project risks, aiding the development of mitigation strategies.

Skills

Design Thinking

Lean Startup

Agile

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Documentation

Education

Degree in a relevant field

Advanced degree or innovation management qualification

Job description

As an Innovation Associate, you will work with the Innovation Manager and wider team in delivering innovation programmes and projects. This entry-level position is ideal for those eager to develop their skills in a dynamic, technology-driven environment. You will help implement projects, maintain documentation, support stakeholder engagement, and contribute to the continuous improvement of our innovation initiatives.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Duties)

• Assist with the delivery and implementation of innovation and acceleration projects, ensuring timelines and quality standards are met.
• Aid with the application of innovation methodologies such as design thinking, lean startup, and agile approaches.
• Help maintain project documentation, databases, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
• Coordinate communication between project stakeholders and internal teams.
• Assist in organising innovation events, workshops, and collaborative initiatives.
• Collect and compile data for project performance metrics and reporting.
• Identify and elevate project risks, aiding the development of mitigation strategies.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR (Experience)

• Ideally educated to a degree level in a relevant field or qualified by experience. An advanced degree or innovation management qualification would be advantageous
• Familiarity with innovation methodologies such as Design Thinking, Lean Startup and Agile.
• Demonstrable interest in innovation, technology, or digital ecosystems, with relevant experience from academic projects, internships, or personal initiatives.
• Strong relationship-building, problem solving and communication skills, with the confidence / ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Previous experience gathering, documenting and maintaining business / project requirements, identifying issues and contributing to the maintenance of project documentation.
• Adaptable, proactive, determined, driven and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Location(s): This role can be based out of any of our offices: London, Belfast and Bristol.

Deadline for Applications: Thursday, 3rd September 2026

Salary: £30,000-34,000 per annum (pro rata) - subject to skills and experience

Pre-Employment Background Checking Process

Due to the nature of our work across government and public sector contracts, including working with sensitive information, all applicants will need to successfully complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance process prior to starting employment.

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society.

We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated.

As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process.

Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer.

• We are in the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
• Digital Catapult is aDisability 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 your salary;
• Discretionary company bonus
• 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension;
• E-Vehicle Scheme; Cycle2Work; Tech Scheme; Gym Discounts; Give As you Earn; PerkPal;
• Life insurance 4x salary;
• Free to access EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice;
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave;
• Hybrid working - with great offices to work from 2 days per week with some roles needing to be onsite more regularly to ensure the successful delivery of our work;
• Investment in your ongoing learning and development with us;
• Company social events throughout the year and free office snacks!

We have a vibrant and engaging culture where all voices are heardand a variety of employee led affinity groups who champion initiatives and provide opportunities for feedback to be shared.

We use moments in the year to educate everyone at Digital Catapult on different aspects of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to raise awareness.

We also enjoy socialising and having fun together through a variety of company-wide events held throughout the year including our football team, running and climbing groupsand volunteering activities.