R&D Proposals Manager

Join Digital Catapult as our new R&D Proposals Lead and play a critical role in shaping the UK’s future in advanced digital technologies. Operating between pre-award operations and strategic bid management, the role will manage a portfolio of proposals across a range of public and private funding sources, ensuring high-quality, timely, and compliant submissions. The role will drive proposal excellence, collaborate closely with internal experts and external partners, and provide subject matter guidance on funder expectations and internal policies. This role can be based out of any of our offices: Belfast, Bristol, Gateshead, or London. WHAT YOU’LL DO (Duties) Collaborate with the team for the development and submission of high-value, complex R&D grant proposals and commercial bids. Coordinate internal bid teams and ensure quality, timely submissions across multiple departments. Interpret funder documentation and advise on requirements, compliance, and internal processes. Support budget development aligned with full economic costing (FEC) and funder guidelines. Improve internal systems for pre-award proposal management and bid development. Drive proposal content strategy including impact, innovation, and collaboration sections. Requirements WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR (Experience) Proven experience managing and submitting R&D grant proposals or commercial bids. Understanding of public funding sources (e.g. UKRI, Innovate UK, EC Horizon). Skilled in stakeholder coordination, communication, and navigating tight deadlines. Familiarity with FEC principles and proposal budget development. Demonstrated ability to write, review and enhance proposal narratives and documentation. Previous experience in or supporting innovation or R&D environments. Salary: c. £40,000-£50,000 pa (subject to experience) + discretionary bonus + competitive benefits package Deadline for Applications: 16th October 2026 Like the sound of what we do but unsure if this is the right role for you? If you are interested in joining Digital Catapult and hearing about our latest vacancies, please email across your CV to digital-catapult@jobs.workablemail.com Pre-Employment Background Checking Process Due to the nature of our work across government and public sector contracts, including working with sensitive information, all applicants will need to successfully complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance process prior to starting employment. Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society. We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated. As members…