Who we are

We are a specialist innovation funding consultancy that believes in client service excellence delivered through a blend of talent and technology.

The government previously provided £7.6bn of support to the most innovative companies in the UK in the tax year 2021 to 2022 and announced plans to increase the support available to £39.8bn between 2022 and 2025. With this level of support available to companies, Kene wants to continue to facilitate supporting innovative companies year on year.  

We see a future where every business, regardless of size or resource, has the opportunity to innovate, grow, and make a meaningful impact on society. By breaking down complex barriers to government funding and providing expert guidance, we empower businesses to unlock their full potential, contributing to a vibrant economy driven by sustainable and purpose-driven growth. As a trusted ally, we’re helping businesses lead the way in shaping a better future for their industries and communities.

This is an ambitious goal and achieving it requires an equally ambitious team. As such we’re looking for exceptional people excited by the prospect of building something that matters to join the team.

The Role

This is a proactive, opportunity-generation role focused on creating new business across the UK market.

You’ll identify and open doors with SMEs and larger businesses, build relationships from scratch, and generate high-quality opportunities - working collaboratively with our delivery team to progress and convert them into successful client engagements.

We take a holistic consultancy approach - supporting clients across a range of innovation and growth funding solutions. You’ll be responsible for identifying opportunities across our wider service offering, ensuring clients benefit from the breadth of our expertise rather than a single-product conversation.

Experience in innovation funding (e.g. R&D tax, grants, patent box or related advisory services) is desirable, but not essential. What matters most is your drive and ability to generate new conversations and turn them into qualified, multi-service opportunities.

Day-to-Day you will:

• Proactively generate new business opportunities through cold outreach, prospecting, and targeted lead generation

• Identify and engage decision-makers across SMEs and larger UK businesses, taking a consultative approach in early conversations, understanding broader business challenges and innovation activity

• Identify opportunities across our full range of services, ensuring a holistic advisory lens rather than a single-solution focus

• Build and manage a strong pipeline of qualified prospects across multiple service lines

• Research, identify, and represent the business at relevant industry events, networking forums, and partner meetings  

• Develop and grow a network of strategic referral partnerships with accountants, advisors, consultants, and innovation networks

• Lead initial commercial discussions and qualify opportunities before structured handover to delivery teams

• Stay informed on industry trends, client challenges, and market opportunities

You will have:

• Experience in Business Development, Sales, Partnerships, or Consulting - ideally within innovation funding, R&D tax, or professional services

• A proven track record of generating new business through outbound activity and networking

• A consultative mindset, able to uncover broader needs beyond an initial brief

• Strong commercial instinct and the ability to identify cross-service potential

• Confidence engaging senior stakeholders and decision-makers

• A proactive, self-starting mindset - you create opportunity rather than wait for it

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

• Strong organisational discipline in pipeline and CRM management

• Comfort working autonomously and remotely

• Willingness to travel across the UK for meetings and events

• Energy, resilience, and persistence - particularly in cold lead generation

• Curiosity about innovation, funding, and business growth

• A growth mindset and commitment to continuous development

Benefits

Finally, benefits! It wouldn’t be a job description without them. Here’s what you can expect from us - all rooted in our core values and the culture we’re building together:

Service Excellence

Excellence is an integral part of who we are - and it starts with our people.

We recognise that delivering exceptional service requires exceptional support. That’s why we offer competitive salaries with regular, performance-based pay reviews, alongside comprehensive private healthcare (physical, mental, dental and optical). When you feel supported and valued, great work follows - and that’s something we’re proud to invest in.

TeamShip

We believe in something bigger than the individual - a shared mindset built on trust, accountability and supporting one another.

You’ll be joining a positive, energetic team who genuinely enjoy spending time together. From company offsites and team socials to fitness activities and regular lunch-and-learns, we create opportunities to connect, grow and win together.

Evolution

As we grow and evolve as a business, we want our people to grow with us.

We’re committed to supporting your personal and professional journey, with strong learning and development support to help you keep progressing. Alongside generous holiday allowances, flexible working, WFH options and supportive parental leave policies, we close the business at three carefully selected points during the year - ensuring everyone has time to reset, recharge and come back stronger.

Kene is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.