Subject Matter Expert Research, Development & Innovation

6 month contract role with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• The Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Research, Development & Innovation will play a critical leadership role in shaping and delivering the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) Investment Zone—a major economic development initiative focused on accelerating innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth across South East Wales.

• Reporting to the Director of Regional Growth & Investment, the postholder will provide specialist expertise to design, influence, and implement strategic programmes aligned with CCR’s Regional Economic and Industrial Plan.

• The role will work with stakeholders across local authorities, the Welsh and UK Governments, academia, and industry to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem and support high-value sectors including compound semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Provide strategic leadership for R&D and innovation activities within the CCR Investment Zone.

• Lead engagement with industry clusters and gather market intelligence to inform strategic priorities.

• Design and deliver innovation programmes and interventions that support regional economic growth.

• Develop robust business cases and ensure initiatives are evidence-based and future-focused.

• Support inward investment efforts and build strong partnerships across public, private and academic sectors.

• Oversee procurement, contracting processes, and supplier management where required.

• Monitor programme delivery, evaluate impact, and report progress to internal and external stakeholders.

• Provide leadership across project teams and contribute to the delivery of CCR’s wider Innovation Strategy.

Skills/Experience:

• Deep subject-matter expertise in research, development, and innovation—preferably in high-value sectors such as advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, engineering, or emerging technologies.

• Demonstrable experience working across multi‑stakeholder environments (public sector, industry, academia, government).

• Strong strategic planning and programme design capability.

• Proven experience in developing business cases and securing funding for innovation projects.

• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and partnership development skills.

• Strong commercial and policy acumen with the ability to work in complex governance settings.

• Experience managing project delivery, procurement processes, and external contractors.

• Analytical skills and the ability to interpret data, evidence, and market insights.

• Leadership experience, including guiding or influencing cross-functional teams.

• High-level communication skills, both written and verbal, including report writing and presentation abilities.

Additional Information:

• Bi-Weekly Payments.

• Must be able to travel across the Cardiff Capital Region as required.

• Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary.

• The post is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

• Hybrid working pattern: mix of remote work and 2–3 days per week in the office (Sbarc | Spark, Cardiff).

• Temporary role: 24 weeks, 37 hours per week.