CORNWALL COLLEGE
Job Description

Post title: Business Researcher, Analyst and Facilitator

Based at:Cornwall College Camborne – Unlocking Potential Offices

Reports to:Programme Director

Grade/salary scale:CC19 – CC26: £18,162 to £21,118

Your new position is funded by ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) which is focussed on reducing economic disparity within and between member states by local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. During your induction we will provide more training and information about European Funding.

Unlocking Potential has the enviable reputation of successfully delivering high quality services through a team of enthusiastic, dedicated staff who work hard to unlock the potential of people and business. Our people are our most important asset, so to join our dynamic, hardworking, passionate and friendly team; you will need to demonstrate that you are approachable, client focussed and a team player. You will be someone who thrives on change, loves a challenge, respects others and truly takes pride in doing your best.You will also live and breathe our organisational values: Can do, Receptive, Enthusiastic, Authentic, Team Spirited and Empowering.

Role Purpose

As ourBusiness Researcher, Analyst and Facilitator, you will horizon scan the latest ideas, thought leadership and trends in the field of innovation and business development. Your job will be to use this information and create opportunities to inspire businesses in Cornwall, helping to shape the content of our Future Focus events and lab workshop groups through the ERDF funded Future Focus programme. Working closely with our Innovation and Collaboration Manager, you will ensure that workshop content is of the highest quality and provides a strong platform for businesses to innovate and progress through the programme. Through desk research you will also identify opportunities for new businesses to engage with the programme, anticipating potential collaborations between businesses inside and outside of Cornwall. You will be actively involved in the delivery of the programme and will help businesses develop business cases and plans for funding and development.

Main duties and responsibilities:
  • Work with the Innovation and Collaboration Manager, Marketing and Operations Manager and Workshop Delivery Manager you will design and develop content that is highly relevant to the audience group.
  • You will horizon scan, identifying themes and trends that will support the ability for businesses to have new ideas and innovate existing products, processes and services.
  • Work with the team, using desk research, you will help to form groups of like-minded business owners into Future Focus groups who will learn from each other
  • You will provide content for and help facilitate engaging workshop sessions, ensuring that each individual or groups of businesses is reaching their maximum potential
  • Stay up to date with best practise and new developments in innovation support work
  • Work with the Innovation Managers and Business Development Managers to help clients develop their innovation growth plans providing support with market research, writing business plans and funding applications
  • Help clients progress their plans by signposting them to all of the other relevant business support opportunities available to them
  • Maintain up to date knowledge of business support services available locally, regionally and nationally.
  • Maintain the database and CRM systems relating to communications and interventions with businesses. This will be across both Unlocking Potential systems and shared information systems with partners as appropriate.
  • Live and breathe our organisational values of Can do, Receptive, Enthusiastic, Authentic, Team Spirited and Empowering.
Person Specification
Qualifications:

Essential

A relevant degree or equivalent.

Experience:

Essential

  • Experience in a research based role or degree e.g. market research, business analysis
  • An understanding of business management, growth and innovation
  • Strong business and commercial awareness
  • An aptitude for obtaining and understanding the practical application and utilisation of new knowledge, content and methodology
  • Excellent ability and experience of identifying and presenting poignant data in an engaging and visual way from a complex data set
  • Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Word / Excel/ Outlook / PowerPoint/Social Media Tools/CRM

Personal Attributes:

  • Natural ability and interest in spotting key political, social and environmental trends and changes happening in the world and an understanding of their commercial implications
  • A keen interest in new developments in business and commerce such as gadgets, technology and its application, innovative ways of working, problem solving etc.
  • Naturally resourceful and inquisitive character with the ability to stay focussed on delivering outcomes
  • Excellent organisational, interpersonal and negotiation skills
  • Analytical and results orientated
  • Excellent communication skills – verbal, written and presentations
  • An outstanding, motivating and supportive team player with high integrity and respect for others.
  • Good attention to detail with a desire to achieve high quality outcomes
  • Results driven and quality orientated
  • Own transport

Desirable

  • Experience of working in or running a business – preferably an SME or start up
  • Working knowledge of business diagnostic approaches and tools, particularly Forum 21 & Business Model/Lean Canvas, Innovation
  • Previous experience of working in a European funded environment
  • Experience of working in business support
  • Experience of business planning and/or writing bids and funding applications
  • Knowledge or experience of working with statutory, educational, voluntary and commercial sectors

Special Conditions:

The post holder will be office based and will be required to travel throughout Cornwall; aown transport is therefore essential. This position is initially fixed term until October 2018 with the opportunity to extend for a further 12 months.

College Values / In addition to job role competencies Cornwall College values are embedded in all roles. Therefore, all employees will be expected to review the College values document and ensure they understand how the values apply to their role and the wider organisation.
Putting the student first
Value and respect for others
Responsiveness to others
High quality in all we do
Responsibility – Individual and team
Pride in what we do

Please note: All employees of Cornwall College are required to undertake mandatory Safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and Equality & Diversity Training. All statutory checks governed by “every child matters” will need to be completed before commencing employment.