Vacancy Description : Innovation Business Partner Manager Funded through the PEACEPLUS Programme 2.4 Smart Towns and Villages, the Mini Digi Hubs initiative, aims to address the digital divide and catalyse economic growth, inclusivity, and balanced regional development.
The project's central objective is to revitalise the East Border Region area by transforming underutilised public buildings into vibrant digital hubs, each with a unique thematic focus designed to meet the specific needs of their local communities and to leave a lasting legacy for the Programme area.
Project partners include Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT), Monaghan County Council, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Meath County Council, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council.
The Mini Digi Hubs project is set to transform the region by upgrading 5 underutilised public buildings at chosen partner sites into hubs of digital innovation and collaboration.
These hubs are complimented in the region by The ARK Mobile Lab that will set out to encourage cross-border collaboration to pool resources and expertise supporting the creation of an advanced regional digital ecosystem, assisting businesses in the adoption of digital technologies and stimulating growth in emerging sectors.
The ARK Mobile Lab, managed by DkIT, delivers advanced technologies, training, and workshops to businesses and communities across the region An exciting opportunity has therefore arisen for an experienced person to be appointed to play a pivotal innovation support role as an Innovation Business Partner Manager at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).
The successful candidate will play a crucial role in the overall operational management of The ARK, leading innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives, developing and delivering training, workshops and seminars in advanced technologies with a particular focus on the ICT related technologies.
As an integral part of our team, the candidate will collaborate with lecturers, researchers, scientists and engineers to contribute to the advancement of innovative projects with a particular focus on industry engagement, training and applied research projects.
With strong project management and networking skills the Innovation Business Partner Manager will lead the overall development of the ARK Mobile Digital Lab, fostering collaboration across the Mini Digi Hubs consortia.
The Innovation Business Partner Manager will also develop scaling opportunities through engagement with researchers and academics across disciplines, serve as a bridge between diverse groups in accessing the capital equipment and facilitate valuable knowledge transfer between researchers, students, and external enterprise.
Reporting to the Head of Innovation & Business Development at DkIT the Innovation Business Partner Manager will have key responsibilities to meet the vision of the Mini Dig Hubs project and will play a pivotal role in driving digital innovation, empowering businesses, and transforming communities across the region.
The Innovation Business Partner Manager responsibilities are summarised as follows: Overall operational and project management including logistics planning and execution of The ARK mobile digital lab environments for specific projects, training and events and overall management of its strategic roll-out; Conduct market research and analysis to identify prioritisation of innovation opportunities aligned with project objectives and lead the brand development and marketing strategy of The ARK as a key enabler of the Mini Digi Hubs project objectives; Identify, procure, and plan for future enhancements to lab equipment to align with project, communities and industry needs; Lead and manage innovation projects within the mobile digital lab, from ideation to execution; continuous technology scouting and evaluations identifying strategic partnerships and collaboration opportunities; Lead internal and external report development; Oversee the creation and dissemination of impactful case studies showcasing The ARK and Mini Digi Hub project success; Participate in wider team meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and potential solutions; To engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required in order to further develop appropriate skills and competencies; Represent DkIT, The ARK and the Mini Dig Hubs project at external fora ad hoc; Any other duties assigned by the Head of Innovation and Business Development or nominee that are compatible with the nature and status of the post.
Essential skills and experience: Strong experience project managing or contributing to technology driven projects; Proven experience in a research or development educational/lab/workshop environments; Applicants must have a minimum Honours Bachelors degree in an appropriate discipline such as Business, ICT, Engineering/Science or other relevant cognate area, or related area or equivalent professional qualifications and/or relevant industry experience; Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities; Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and as a part of a wider team; Excellent analytical, interpersonal, team working and management skills; Hands-on experience developing and delivering educational training workshops and seminars; Strong event management skills; Experience working with data analysis tools and software development.
Desirable: Masters degree or other postgraduate qualifications in Business, ICT, Advanced Technologies or relevant cognate area; Experience in Advanced Technologies and Immersive Technologies such as Augmented and Virtual reality, Robotics/cobotics, etc.
; Job Title : D005-Grade Vii Vacancy ID : Vacancy Type : Development & Maintenance Posts To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page.
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