James Hutton Ltd, the commercial subsidiary of the James Hutton Institute, is looking to recruit an experienced Innovation Manager to play an integral role in delivering the ambitious growth targets for the company. Agriculture and the environment have often been the poor relations when it comes to investing in innovation; however, recent events have highlighted the global importance of food security and environmental sustainability, opening up numerous new commercial opportunities.
JHI is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions and products to serve these emerging markets, through spin-out and spin-in companies as well as licensing technologies. The ideal candidate will have experience mentoring start-up companies, licensing technologies, and a flexible approach to commercialising academic research. The anticipated step change in activity necessitates the introduction of portfolio management to our business to prioritise our resources and aid decision-making. Experience implementing portfolio management, either in an academic or commercial setting, would be highly advantageous. Knowledge of the agrifood/environmental or related sectors would be desirable.
Main purpose of job:
The Innovation Manager will be responsible for the New Business Discovery part of the JHL business and for developing and delivering portfolio management practices within JHL.
JHL currently has one spin-out company (MycoNourish), one Joint Venture (Bloom Biotechnologies), and has made investments in two additional companies (EpiGenetica and IGS). In addition, we have two new spin-out companies under discussion (SHARP GA and ClimateXtras) and have ambitious plans to develop at least two more in the fields of nanoparticles and artificial meat. JHL has limited resources to invest in these activities, and we need to develop and implement robust systems to aid decision-making. The Innovation Manager will work with JHI scientists and the newly-appointed Entrepreneur in Residence to assess new opportunities as they arise, convene and record meetings to make decisions, undertake preliminary freedom to operate searches, conduct market research, and solicit professional advice where appropriate.
The postholder will also be responsible for developing, in conjunction with key JHI and JHL staff, business cases for investment in new equipment and facilities to support existing businesses, primarily plant breeding, trialing, and analytical services.
JHL has a modest patent portfolio that has the potential to generate licence income in the future. The Innovation Manager will meet with JHI scientists with intellectual property under consideration for protection, ensure Invention Disclosure Forms are completed and recorded, liaise with scientists and patent agents, and assess the merits for investment in such intellectual property. It is anticipated that the postholder will sit on the Hutton IP Committee and liaise with the Licensing Manager regarding ongoing patent applications and granted patents. Together with the JHL Commercial Team (5 BDMs and a Marketing Manager), the Innovation Manager will be responsible for identifying third parties interested in licensing our technologies.
The postholder will sit on the JHL Senior Management Group and will contribute to the improvement and advancement of the business within James Hutton Limited.
Main duties of postholder:
1. Develop and implement portfolio management processes appropriate to the business of JHL, including investments in new equipment and facilities to support existing businesses, investment in spin-in or spin-out companies, and protecting intellectual property.
2. Responsible for delivering the portfolio management processes, including convening meetings, developing business cases, recording decisions, and reporting to the JHL Board.
3. Undertake market research to support the development of business cases or commission third-party market research where in-house knowledge is insufficient.
4. Liaise with professional advisors, including patent agents.
5. Manage the interface with the Entrepreneur in Residence and facilitate meetings with interested scientists where appropriate.
6. Attend JHL Senior Management Group meetings and deputise for the Head of JHL at Income Generation Group and other meetings.
7. Present business cases for investment to the JHL Board and, where necessary, the JHI Board or Audit and Finance Committee.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
Desirable
Attainments:
Education / qualifications
* Formal management qualification
* Degree in a science-related subject, especially biology, chemistry, or environmental sciences.
Experience:
* Relevant related experience commercializing academic research or new product development in a commercial environment, ideally in the agrifood, environmental or analytical services sectors.
* Experience of portfolio management in a research and development environment.
* Experience of developing and implementing new portfolio management processes.
* Experience of mentoring start-up companies.
* Experience of filing patent applications.
* Knowledge of intellectual property and working with patent agents.
* Experience of writing business cases to support investments.
* Experience of regulatory affairs and accreditation.
Skills:
* Excellent communicator at all levels, both written and verbal.
* Experience of presenting to boards of directors.
* Well-organised and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
* Project management skills.
* Energetic, enthusiastic self-starter with a proven ability to deliver.
* Ability to network and strong influencer; international networks would be desirable.
Other skills (please specify)
* Ability to work as part of a team.
* Second language would be useful.
Other requirements (please specify)
* Driving license useful but not essential.
* Willingness to travel, including internationally.
Benefits Offered
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - A confidential service available to support employees and their families with work or personal problems. Providing access to professional counsellors, psychologists, and work-life consultants available to help and support individuals in tackling all types of problems.
* Annual Leave – Generous entitlement up to 40.5 days a year, with carry over possible and guaranteed time-off for Christmas.
* Pension - Employer Contribution of 15% in a Personal Pension Plan and employee contribution flexibility.
* Self-managed hours and Flexible Working – option to manage and spread your working time in line with organisational needs to create a healthy work-life balance.
Additional Notes
Please note the minimum salary threshold for a Skilled Worker Visa is currently £38,700.00. If the advertised salary for this post falls below this threshold, we regret to advise that we may not be able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship to a non-UK citizen for this role. Applicants who do not meet the conditions to be sponsored as per the UK government's page will need to demonstrate an alternative right to work.
We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.
The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Bronze Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.
The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
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