R&D Proposals Manager

Join Digital Catapult as our new R&D Proposals Manager 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

• 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.

Benefits

• We are in the UK's Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK's Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
• Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.
• Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, Bank Holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year:
• Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary;
• Discretionary company bonus
• 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension;
• E-Vehicle Scheme; Cycle2Work; Tech Scheme; Gym Discounts; Give As you Earn; PerkPal;
• Life insurance 4x salary;
• Free to access EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice;
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave;
• Hybrid working - with great offices to work from 2 days per week with some roles needing to be onsite more regularly to ensure the successful delivery of our work;
• Investment in your ongoing learning and development with us;
• Company social events throughout the year and free office snacks!