Work with us

We have been awarded a five-year Investment Zone project IGAP (Innovation, Growth, Accelerate and Partner) and are looking for a Business Growth Associate to join our team and support LYVA Labs’ mission to drive innovation-led growth across Liverpool City Region.

Purpose of the Role

This is primarily an account and project management position, and you will be responsible for guiding startups and SMEs investing in R&D through their growth journey working closely with founders and diverse teams. Your role will be instrumental in driving the delivery and success of our programmes.

You will support startups and SMEs in developing their commercial propositions, investor readiness plans, funding applications - as well as in depth support with selected companies on market research and connections to industry and research partners.

This is an ideal role for someone commercially focussed, motivated by technology-led innovation, and able to develop strong working relationships with founders, business leaders, investors, industry and research stakeholders.

Key duties and responsibilities

This role is suited to someone with early-to-mid career experience (e.g. 3–5 years) in business development, investment, entrepreneurship, R&D, consultancy, or related fields.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

Programme Support

• Participant recruitment to our incubator/accelerator programmes

• Account and relationship management of participants

• Project management tasks to ensure successful programme deliver

Business Development Support

• Work with early stage and R&D intensive businesses to support their business development strategies, including market research, customer acquisition, and revenue generation plans.

Investor and Funding Readiness

• Work alongside LYVA Labs colleagues to assist clients in preparing for funding rounds, including pitch preparation, and investor targeting.

• Scout and connect with potential investors and relevant grant opportunities alongside the LYVA Labs Investment Team.

Partnership Development

• Build and maintain relationships with industry partners, corporate sponsors, and other stakeholders

• Facilitate introductions and collaborations between clients and ecosystem partners

• Connect clients with industry experts, mentors, and advisors who can offer specialised insights and consultancy

Networking and Community Engagement

• Participate in networking events, workshops, and conferences to promote our programmes and create connections within the local ecosystem

• Manage an active social media (LinkedIn) presence

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Track the progress and success of the programme, providing regular reports to the Client Delivery Manager and other stakeholders.

Administration

• Administrative activities relating to your duties, including updating CRM systems and dashboards.

Skills, personality and experience

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in business, enterprise, or a related scientific field.

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a client-facing role related to business development, investment, entrepreneurship, R&D, consultancy, or similar.

• Strong understanding of startup ecosystems and the challenges faced by early-stage companies.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience with project management and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Desirable

• Master's degree or MBA.

• Science background with good knowledge of one or more of these sub-sectors: physical science, materials science, data science, artificial intelligence, advanced engineering, advanced manufacturing, robotics, climate/net-zero technologies, health and life science.

• Knowledge of the LCR innovation ecosystem.

• Incubator/accelerator delivery experience.

Package

Terms: Full time, fixed-term contract to March 2030 (with potential for extension subject to funding)

Location: Hybrid - Liverpool City Region (50% based in our Liverpool city centre office)

Salary: £34,500 - £37,500 dependent on experience

Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata), increasing to 27 days after 3 years’ service

Benefits

6% pension contribution

Hybrid/flexible working arrangements*

1 x corporate volunteering day per year for company chosen charity

Company training and development budget accessible to all employees

*Please note, due to the role including meetings and workshops with local businesses/organisations applicants must be prepared to regularly work in Liverpool

Sponsorship

We actively promote diversity and inclusion. Please note that this role is unlikely to meet the eligibility requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. We recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa