Innovation & Technology Specialist

VanRath; Portadown; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

VanRath is seeking an Innovation & Technology Specialist to join its Business & Economic Engagement team. Based in Newry or Portadown, this role focuses on helping local SMEs innovate, develop and grow by providing technical expertise, R&D support and knowledge transfer.

You'll build relationships with businesses, deliver projects and webinars, and work with software, cloud computing, and digital transformation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Degree or higher aligned to area of specialism or related area.
• GCSE English or equivalent required.
• GCSE Maths or equivalent required.
• At least 1 year in relevant industry environment or mentoring businesses.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with local Digital & IT businesses.
• Identify challenges and provide technical/innovative solutions.
• Deliver projects, R&D and mentoring activities.
• Support businesses with innovation and funding programmes.
• Collaborate on software, cloud, programming and digital transformation.
• Transfer knowledge with industry, academic and internal stakeholders.
• Align industry needs with future skills and training.
• Deliver webinars, masterclasses and events.

Skills

English GCSE/Essential Skills 2

Maths GCSE/Essential Skills 2

IT mentoring experience

1 year exp in industry

Education

Degree or higher in related area

Job description

Job Title: Innovation & Technology Specialist - Digital & IT
Salary: £38,220-£40,777 per annum
Location: Newry or Portadown (whichever campus is closer to home)
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Work Pattern: 36 hours per week (1 day from home)
Travel: Some travel between campuses and to business clients will be required

We're working with a leading education and business support organisation to recruit an experienced Innovation & Technology Specialist to join its Business & Economic Engagement team.

This is an exciting, industry-facing opportunity for an IT professional looking to move beyond a traditional internal IT role and use their technical expertise to help local businesses innovate, develop and grow. The team works closely with SMEs and businesses across the region, providing technical expertise, innovation support, research and development, knowledge transfer and specialist training.

What You'll be Doing

• Build and develop relationships with local businesses and SMEs within the Digital & IT sector.
• Identify business challenges and opportunities and provide appropriate technical and innovative solutions.
• Deliver technical projects, R&D activity, mentoring and knowledge-transfer programmes.
• Support businesses with innovation and funding programmes.
• Work with businesses across areas such as software, cloud computing, programming and digital transformation.
• Work closely with industry, academic and internal stakeholders to transfer new knowledge and technology into businesses.
• Help ensure industry requirements are reflected in future skills and training provision.
• Deliver webinars, masterclasses and events and represent the organisation at relevant industry forums and networking events.

What We're Looking For

• A minimum of a degree (or higher) qualification aligned to area of specialism or related area.
• A pass grade at GCSE Level in English Language or Essential Skills Level 2 in Literacy or an equivalent qualification.
• A pass grade at GCSE Level in Mathematics or Essential Skills Level 2 in Numeracy or NICATS Access Maths Modules or an equivalent qualification.
• A minimum of 1 years' experience (in the last 5 years) working within your specific industry environment or providing technical expertise / mentoring support to businesses within; Computer Science / Computer Programming / Cloud Computing / Mobile device development / Software Development / E-Commerce/ Digital Transformation / Creative and digital technologies

Why choose VANRATH?

Partnering with VANRATH gives you access to exclusive IT opportunities, expert market insight and tailored career guidance. We take a consultative approach; offering honest advice, interview preparation and direct access to hiring managers- ensuring a smooth process and the best possible role fit aligned to your skills and long-term goals.