Head of Collaborative, Research and Development
(Head CR&D)
Belong to Something Amazing…
Catalyst is recruiting a Head of Collaborative Research & Development
Role Overview:
This is a PEACEPLUS funded project. As Head of Collaborative Research and Development (CR&D) at Catalyst, you will lead the strategic direction and operational delivery of cross-sector research and innovation programmes and partnerships that will deliver measurable regional impact, unlock commercial potential, and contribute to long-term economic development.
This is a senior role with responsibility for a multi-disciplinary team and the successful delivery of a portfolio of research & development projects that bridge academia, industry, and government. It is the ideal role for a collaborative, delivery-focused leader with a deep understanding of innovation ecosystems, experience managing complex programmes, and a passion for creating value through research and technology-led solutions.
Current Programmes include:
ONEHEALTH: A transformative, cross-border initiative integrating human, animal and environmental health using AI and data innovation.
NWCAM2: Empowering SMEs in Health and Life Sciences to adopt sustainable, advanced manufacturing solutions.
About Catalyst:
We are a non-profit organisation that supports science and technology innovation in Northern Ireland with buildings and hubs in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry where companies can use our flexible workspaces to operate from. We use the profits generated from our property portfolio to deliver entrepreneurial support programmes, facilitate funding, inform policy and accelerate technology-based research and development, by linking with academia and government.
Working at Catalyst:
A certified Great Place to Work® and recognised as one of the top 100 Workplaces in the UK for 2024, receiving awards for Best Place to Work, Best Workplace for Development, Best Workplace for Employee Wellbeing, and Best Place to Work for Women, Catalyst is one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting employers.
With a strong vision of Opportunity for all from world-leading innovation, this is a workplace brimming with ambition to create social, cultural, and economic advantage. We are a force for good, bold in our approach with integrity at our core and passion in everything we do.
Diversity and Inclusion at Catalyst:
Diversity and inclusion aren’t boxes to tick on a CSR list. At Catalyst, they are part of our DNA, lived, breathed, seen, and heard across our community, projects, and co-working spaces.
We not only want to foster and empower a culture of innovation, but also an environment where people can be their true, authentic self and thrive, and we are proud to be recognised by the Diversity Charter for achieving silver status, with ambitions to progress to Gold.
As an equal opportunity employer, we recruit based solely on the individual’s ability to perform the role, and that’s allowed us to create an inclusive workplace which celebrates the diversity of our teams and community.
Key Information:
- Full time, posts funded until 30th September 2029.
- Attractive benefits package
- Competitive salary between £50,000 – £60,000 depending on qualifications/experience.
- Based in Belfast, Titanic Quarter.
- Reporting to Director of Innovation Partnerships.
Employee Perks:
- Competitive Benefits Package including Private medical insurance for you and your dependents
- Generous pension contribution
- Generous life assurance policy
- Enhanced parental leave packages
- Hybrid working options available
- Free open access to company organised events.
What Are We Looking For?
Catalyst is seeking a strategic, credible and collaborative leader who can:
- Navigate multi-stakeholder environments to broker partnerships and deliver on strategic objectives.
- Lead and support a team to deliver high-quality, high-impact collaborative R&D programmes.
- Represent Catalyst in senior stakeholder discussions and regional innovation forums playing a visible leadership role in shaping policy and practice.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and lead Catalyst’s CR&D strategy aligned to organisational mission and regional innovation priorities.
- Provide senior leadership for a portfolio of complex, cross-border innovation programmes including design, delivery, and evaluation of outcomes.
- Lead and support a multi-disciplinary team to deliver against contractual outcomes, partner obligations and performance indicators.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with academia, industry, funders, and regional agencies fostering cross-border and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Represent Catalyst at regional, national and international forums positioning the organisation as a leading convener of collaborative innovation across priority sectors and regions.
- Lead the development of competitive bids and funding proposals, securing investment to grow Catalyst’s CR&D activity.
- Ensure all projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in compliance with funder requirements.
- Using evidence-based insights, lead reporting on KPIs, risk, impact and programme milestones to funders and Catalyst leadership.
- Embed a culture of learning, collaboration and continuous improvement across the CR&D portfolio and Catalyst’s multifunctional teams.
Essential Criteria:
- Proven track record in leading large-scale, multi-stakeholder research and/or innovation programmes.
- Demonstrable experience in managing high-value partnerships or consortia with measurable commercial, economic or societal outcomes.
- Strong leadership and line management capability with experience building high-performing delivery teams.
- Success in securing and delivering externally funded innovation programmes preferably including cross-border initiatives.
- Established network across academia, innovation agencies, and/or industry sectors with the ability to engage and influence at senior levels
- Deep understanding of innovation ecosystems, research commercialisation, SME support and collaborative R&D.
- Strategic mindset with strong operational focus leading both vision-setting and delivery.
Desirable Criteria:
- Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g., innovation management, science and technology, business).
- Experience delivering projects in areas such as health innovation, manufacturing technologies, digital transformation, or sustainability.
- Experience of innovation delivery models including accelerators, knowledge exchange, or cluster development.
- Experience in delivering projects at the intersection of research, innovation, and regional development.
Other Requirements:
- Flexibility to travel across the region and occasionally further afield.
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- Willingness to occasionally work outside standard hours for events or engagements.
Criteria may be enhanced to aid shortlisting. Exceptional candidates who do not meet the criteria may be considered for the role provided they have the necessary skills and experience
