Innovation Associate

About the role

This role will be based in Cheltenham. This role supports the design and delivery of co-creation experiments and ecosystem intelligence services within a national security context. The Innovation Associate will help translate emerging technologies, external ecosystem insights, and stakeholder needs into practical, delivery-focused outputs. Success in this role means enabling faster, evidence-based decision-making and supporting the development of scalable approaches to co-creation. The role sits within Plexal's embedded Innovation Services team, contributing directly to high-impact interventions aligned to national security needs. Support the delivery of co-creation experiments that test how external ecosystems can solve mission-critical challenges. Conduct research into emerging technologies, ecosystem actors, and innovation best practice to inform experimentation and insight development. Contribute to the development of ecosystem intelligence outputs, including insight briefs, actor mapping, and intervention recommendations. Assist in designing and prototyping workflow automation solutions using AI and software tools to improve delivery efficiency. Support project management activities, including tracking actions, coordinating tasks, and ensuring delivery remains aligned and on schedule. Engage with internal teams and external stakeholders to support collaboration, knowledge exchange, and co-creation activity. Communicate clearly and effectively, producing structured outputs that translate complex ideas into practical recommendations. Work in an agile manner, rapidly learning new approaches, tools, and domains and applying them in a delivery-focused environment. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field (technology, innovation, business, or similar) Experience supporting project delivery, innovation programmes, or consulting engagements Experience conducting structured research and translating findings into outputs (Desirable) Experience or exposure to workflow automation, AI tools, or digital product development (Desirable) Experience working in a client-facing environment Curious and proactive, with a strong desire to learn and apply new knowledge Delivery-focused, with a bias toward action and practical outcomes Comfortable working with ambiguity and evolving requirements Collaborative and team-oriented, able to work across disciplines and stakeholders Resilient and adaptable in a fast-moving environment Based in Cheltenham, with occasional travel as required Strong interest in or exposure to the deep tech or national security ecosystem Must be willing and able to undergo Security Clearance (SC), or hold active SC clearance Interview Dates: First-round interviews in person: 01 July 2026 Second-round interviews via Teams: 06 July 2026 Plexal's Values: Mission: We inherit the mission of UK government and deliver it in an agile and creative fashion. Collaboration: We believe in the power of working together. Equality: We strengthen ourselves as a team by embracing the different. Care: People are at the heart of what we do; we care about our customers, members and colleagues. As a start-up, we thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment dedicated to empowering innovators. We embrace individuals who leverage technology and creativity to tackle our greatest challenges head-on. We strongly advocate for maintaining a harmonious work-life balance, our goal is to ensure every member of our team can authentically be themselves and live their best lives. We firmly believe that innovation and creativity flourish when we cultivate a diverse workforce, comprising highly skilled individuals with a wide range of perspectives to contribute. In return we will offer you: Salary: £30,700 - £45,000 depending on skills and experience Annual bonus scheme A generous pension scheme (with a company contribution of up to 10%) Private healthcare, life assurance and critical illness cover 25 days holiday plus bank holidays Volunteering day Plexal is an equal opportunities employer and we actively encourage applicants from individuals from all backgrounds. We are a Disability Committed employer and are willing to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

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