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 SME, 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 SMEs 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.

Day-to-day, you will:

• Engage with clients through structured technical and financial discussions to identify qualifying R&D and wider innovation activity across new and repeat engagements
• Lead client workshops and discussions, clearly explaining relevant R&D and innovation funding criteria, and applying these to sector-specific activities and projects
• Provide pragmatic, well-reasoned advice on eligibility, risk, and opportunity across R&D tax relief and other innovation funding products
• Build and manage strong client and stakeholder relationships, acting as a trusted advisor throughout the lifecycle of an engagement
• Identify, assess, and articulate technical and financial risks within claims and funding applications, recommending appropriate mitigations
• Prepare high-quality technical and financial documentation to support R&D claims and other innovation funding submissions, with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and defensibility
• Manage the day-to-day delivery of client engagements, setting clear timelines, managing expectations, and explaining technical judgements and their commercial implications to clients
• Support and contribute to responses to HMRC enquiries and other funding body reviews, applying sound technical reasoning and evidence-based arguments
• Develop and maintain up-to-date technical knowledge across R&D tax relief, grants, and the wider innovation funding landscape, adapting advice in line with regulatory and policy change
• Contribute to the evolution of Kene’s innovation funding offering by sharing insight, improving delivery approaches, and supporting the development of new products and services

What we're looking for

• At least 3–4 years’ experience delivering client-facing consultancy within R&D incentives, innovation funding, or adjacent advisory services
• Experience in a client-facing environment, with the ability to engage professionally and confidently with clients
• The ability to communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely in both written and verbal form
• A commercially minded approach to client delivery and problem-solving
• A consultant-style approach to work, with the ability to build credibility with clients, ask insightful questions, and tailor outputs to different audiences
• Strong numerical ability and great attention to detail
• Self-motivated with a passion to deliver quality work
• Exceptional time, client, and project management skills
• Logical with a problem-solving mindset
• A genuine interest and curiosity in Software, Science, Technology & Innovation

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.