Location: This role is home based although travel will be required in the East of England. Salary: From £52,000.00, dependant upon skills and experience. Primary Job Purpose The purpose is to engage with manufacturing clients, and account manage a portfolio of eligible and suitable SMEs on a digital adoption programme in the East of England, across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire (although not exhaustive). The Digital Manufacturing Adviser will be the point of contact for SME manufacturing clients and will manage the relationship between the business and all aspects of the programme as well as a range of internal and external business support services. Main Areas of Responsibility To carry out a factory tour of the client’s premises to assess the business competencies against digital transformation and to support with recommendations to engage them on an improved digital journey by boosting their awareness of the benefits of IDT adoption, by completing an onsite digital road map. Provide advice and guidance on how IDT adoption can deliver real business benefit and intensively assist SME manufacturers by providing independent specialist expertise. To assist client’s in completing a structured digital diagnostic assessment, deliver a full report, assess the business readiness in line with PAS1040:2019 guidance Support clients through their interactions with the programme to raise awareness of the suite of support available to them, including Identifying clients suited to ‘Leading Digital Transformation Leadership Training’ for SME business leaders to boost skill levels across the region and to develop the skills of existing workforce by giving SME access to specialist expertise. To identify clients that would benefit from more intensive technical support, and identify local specialists aligned to the business need, via the initial implementation plan. Identify and support clients with relevant capital expenditure grant applications to ensure they are meet funding eligibility criteria and ready for a panel. Increase regional engagement with manufacturers by signposting those manufacturing businesses who are not yet ready for digital adoption to more traditional forms of business support available in East of England. To deliver elements of the East of England programme to produce the maximum impact in terms of assisting client companies to reach their full growth potential, and adoption of appropriate digital industrial technology to deliver improved productivity and GVA growth. Lead digital awareness workshops for businesses using appropriate tools to identify issues and opportunities for clients on the journey to digital technology adoption supporting them in the development and delivery of roadmap and associated action plan. Making sure clients are personally introduced to those services identified as appropriate and monitor the delivery of these services to support the client’s strategy and objectives and address those barriers to growth identified. Develop and maintain a network of business and professional contacts that generate referrals. Ensure client information and partner referrals are correctly recorded in line with the East of England data monitoring requirements. Ensure that the monitoring and collection of output and impacts data is undertaken throughout the project and at the conclusion of each individual project in-line with requirements, including CRM data entry of all relevant data required by the programme. Support and attend events on behalf of the programme. Keep abreast of developing trends within the industrial digital technology arena. Principle Key Relationships SME clients across East of England Growth Hubs, programme leads, and digital technical specialists in the region Key stakeholders: public/private sector partners, Local Authorities, and digital support organizations OI Advice colleagues and project partners/funders About You Qualifications: Degree-level business education or equivalent qualification/experience in management. Essential Skills: Account management experience with manufacturing and engineering SMEs across sectors. Support SMEs through digital transformation. Quickly assess business culture and adoption barriers. Identify opportunities for industrial digital technology (IDT) adoption and demonstrate its benefits. Lead digital awareness workshops for clients. Build strong relationships across client businesses. Strong presentation, communication, and networking skills. Excellent planning, organisational, and project management abilities. Well-versed in IT tools, including CRM, spreadsheets, and management systems. Experience: Experience in business support or employer engagement (minimum 5 years, or demonstrated equivalent skills). Senior management experience in manufacturing is advantageous. Experience in business development with IDT adoption. Experience in delivering business assessments and advice. Teamwork experience across a broad geographical area. Knowledge: Account management experience in manufacturing/engineering. Technical knowledge of IDT. Understanding of the IDT supplier network and technology demonstrators. Familiarity with local and national organisations supporting business growth. Customer-focused approach to SME engagement and growth. Personal Style: Team player and self-starter. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Innovative mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and client outcomes. About Us Oxford Innovation Advice is a fast-growing company focused on innovation and mutual respect, delivering strong results in a dynamic work environment. Part of SQW Group, we also offer flexible office spaces for tech start-ups, angel investment networks, co-investment fund management, and consultancy services across the UK, Europe, and Asia. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We may close the vacancy once we've received enough applications, so we encourage early submission.