Location
Manchester, North West
Company
Business Support Business Finance (BSBF)
Contract type
Permanent/ Full- time
The Growth Company’s (GC) Made Smarter team have an exciting new opportunity for a Made Smarter Lead IDT Advisor to provide technical leadership across the programme, driving the adoption of Industrial Digital Technologies (IDTs), with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). You will lead complex technology interventions, support SMEs to improve productivity and growth through digital innovation, and work with key stakeholders to embed best practice and technology-led solutions across programme delivery.
The Made Smarter programme leads the UK’s ambition to grow manufacturing through digitalisation, upskilling, and innovation. At the Growth Company, we deliver Made Smarter in the Northwest, working with delivery and strategic partners to support local manufacturers. We provide expert advice, funding, and skills support to help businesses adopt advanced digital technologies, improve productivity, and drive innovation. Through this work, we aim to strengthen competitiveness and help future‑proof the manufacturing sector.
A full UK driving licence and access to your own car are essential, as this role involves regular travel across the North West. There will also be occasional travel to events in Birmingham and London, with these journeys typically undertaken by train.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead complex technology adoption projects with SMEs, providing technical expertise, assurance, and oversight to deliver measurable business improvements.
- Drive the integration of AI and advanced technologies across programme delivery, supporting productivity, performance, and growth.
- Develop and embed practical technology solutions, frameworks, and delivery models that support business transformation and innovation.
- Build capability across adviser networks through technical leadership, knowledge sharing, best practice guidance, and mentoring.
- Design, implement, and evaluate new pilots and innovative approaches, creating scalable solutions that deliver impact across multiple sectors.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with businesses, stakeholders, technology partners, and innovation networks.
- Support programme performance through accurate reporting, impact measurement, and continuous improvement activities.
- Promote a collaborative, high-performing culture while maintaining compliance with Health and Safety policies and procedures.
About You:
- You are passionate about technology, innovation, and the practical application of AI to improve business performance.
- You have experience delivering digital transformation or technology adoption projects within SMEs or commercial environments.
- You are confident engaging with senior stakeholders and can build credibility with businesses and partners alike.
- You can explain complex technical concepts in a clear, engaging, and accessible way.
- You are proactive, solutions-focused, and able to identify opportunities for innovation and growth.
- You have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound decisions.
- You are a collaborative team player who can also work independently and take initiative.
- You maintain a strong interest in emerging technologies and continually develop your knowledge and expertise.
Skills Required:
- Strong knowledge of AI and digital technologies, with expertise in one or more areas such as data analytics, cybersecurity, systems integration, AR/VR, or additive manufacturing.
- Excellent project management, planning, and organisational skills, with experience delivering successful technology-based initiatives.
- Strong communication, presentation, networking, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience diagnosing business needs and developing strategic technology solutions that improve productivity and growth.
- Proven ability to develop and deliver new services, workshops, programmes, or business support initiatives.
- Strong IT skills, including CRM systems, management information systems, spreadsheets, and digital collaboration tools.
- Knowledge of budget management, contract management, and the wider technology and innovation support landscape.
- Degree-level qualification in a relevant technical, digital, or business discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
We are currently unable to provide sponsorship for work permits or visas. Therefore, we can only consider candidates who already have the legal right to work in the UK.
Artificial intelligence can assist you during the application process, but every example and statement you include must be honest, accurate, and based on your own real experiences. If plagiarism is detected, meaning you present someone else’s ideas or experiences, or AI‑generated content, as your own, your application may be withdrawn, and internal applicants could face disciplinary action.
At GC, safeguarding the welfare of all individuals including vulnerable adults and young people is a top priority, and we expect all staff to uphold this standard. All appointments follow Safer Recruitment Procedures, including a DBS check carried out by Due Diligence Limited (DDC Ltd), at no cost to the successful candidate.
Please note: It is a legal offence to apply for a role involving regulated activity if you are on the Barred List.
We are committed to increasing workforce diversity and offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who meet the essential criteria and either have a disability or are from a diverse ethnic community.
If this applies to you, you can request consideration under this scheme during the application process. Your request will be shared only with the Hiring Manager and Internal Recruitment Team.
We also aim to make our recruitment process inclusive and accessible. If you need reasonable adjustments or have any general enquiries at any stage or the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] or call us on 0161 237 4447.
Examples include:
Meeting the hiring manager or touring the venue in advance.
Extra time for tasks.
Interview questions shared beforehand.
Accessibility software or equipment for assessments.
We’re proud to support the Ban the Box campaign, which helps people with convictions access job opportunities. As part of this, we’ve removed questions about convictions from the initial application stage.
GC is committed to fostering a culture of flexibility and agile working. Many roles will increasingly support full agile arrangements. If you require more permanent flexibility, we encourage you to discuss this during your interview so your request can be considered early in the process.
All GC colleagues will work in line with the Health and Safety at work act and the GC Health and Safety Policy.
