Head of Partnerships & Grants

About the role

ICOMAT is seeking a senior leader to build its ecosystem across Europe and the UK by securing strategic partners and managing grant‑funded programmes. The Head of Partnerships & Grants will own the end‑to‑end grants engine and drive consortium development to accelerate the company’s advanced composite manufacturing technology.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a live pipeline of UK and European funding opportunities aligned with ICOMAT’s technology roadmap and commercial strategy.
• Identify, qualify and convert new partners across primes, Tier‑1 suppliers, research organisations, universities and SMEs, building consortia where ICOMAT leads or is the partner of choice.
• Lead proposal writing, owning narrative, technical case, market sizing, cost modelling, work breakdown, risk register and submission.
• Coordinate senior stakeholders from Engineering, Design, Operations and Commercial to ensure timely, high‑quality deliverables.
• Represent ICOMAT at cluster bodies, trade missions, consortium meetings and funding events to raise ecosystem visibility.
• Map the European and UK funding landscape, translate it into a quarterly funding plan and drive execution.

Required profile

• Proven experience in managing grant applications and securing funding from UK and European programmes.
• Strong track record of building strategic partnerships and leading multi‑organisation consortia in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence, automotive or space sectors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to craft compelling technical and commercial narratives.
• Demonstrated ability to orchestrate cross‑functional teams and meet strict deadlines.
• Strategic mindset aligned with commercial growth objectives.

Required skills