R&D Proposals Manager
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
The pay only meets a lower rate
£56,500
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2440 is an eligible occupation, but we are only 51% sure that is the right code. Digital Catapult is a licensed sponsor, so if the code fits, the role should qualify. Check the occupation eligibility rules against what the job actually involves.
We pick the code from the advert's text, so it is our best guess, not the employer's. Each code it could be has its own likelihood:
- Possible 2440 (Business and financial project management professionals) · 51% match
- Likely 2434 (Business and related research professionals) · 13% match
- Possible 3556 (Sales accounts and business development managers) · 12% match
Ask Digital Catapult what the duties are.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2440 Business and financial project management professionals Most likely code | £39,500 Clears | £45,200 Clears | £50,800 Misses | £56,500 Misses |
2434 Business and related research professionals Also possible | £33,400 Clears | £33,400 Clears | £37,500 Clears | £41,700 Clears |
3556 Sales accounts and business development managers Also possible | £38,600 Clears | £55,200 Misses | £55,200 Misses | £55,200 Misses |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Join Digital Catapult as our new R&D Proposals Lead and play a critical role in shaping the UK's future in advanced digital technologies. Operating between pre-award operations and strategic bid management, the role will manage a portfolio of proposals across a range of public and private funding sources, ensuring high-quality, timely, and compliant submissions. The role will drive proposal excellence, collaborate closely with internal experts and external partners, and provide subject matter guidance on funder expectations and internal policies.
This role can be based out of any of our offices: Belfast, Bristol, Gateshead, or London.
WHAT YOU'LL DO (Duties)
- Collaborate with the team for the development and submission of high-value, complex R&D grant proposals and commercial bids.
- Coordinate internal bid teams and ensure quality, timely submissions across multiple departments.
- Interpret funder documentation and advise on requirements, compliance, and internal processes.
- Support budget development aligned with full economic costing (FEC) and funder guidelines.
- Improve internal systems for pre-award proposal management and bid development.
- Drive proposal content strategy including impact, innovation, and collaboration sections.
Requirements
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR (Experience)
- Proven experience managing and submitting R&D grant proposals or commercial bids.
- Understanding of public funding sources (e.g. UKRI, Innovate UK, EC Horizon).
- Skilled in stakeholder coordination, communication, and navigating tight deadlines.
- Familiarity with FEC principles and proposal budget development.
- Demonstrated ability to write, review and enhance proposal narratives and documentation.
- Previous experience in or supporting innovation or R&D environments.
Salary: c. £40,000-£50,000 pa (subject to experience) + discretionary bonus + competitive benefits package
Deadline for Applications: 9th October 2026
Like the sound of what we do but unsure if this is the right role for you? If you are interested in joining Digital Catapult and hearing about our latest vacancies, please email across your CV to [email protected]
Pre-Employment Background Checking Process
Due to the nature of our work across government and public sector contracts, including working with sensitive information, all applicants will need to successfully complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance process prior to starting employment.
Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society.
We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated.
As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process.
Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer.
Benefits
- We are in the UK's Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK's Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
- Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.
- Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, Bank Holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year:
- Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary;
- Discretionary company bonus
- 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension;
We have a vibrant and engaging culture where all voices are heard and a variety of employee led affinity groups who champion initiatives and provide opportunities for feedback to be shared.
We use moments in the year to educate everyone at Digital Catapult on different aspects of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to raise awareness.
We also enjoy socialising and having fun together through a variety of company-wide events held throughout the year including our football team, running and climbing groups and volunteering activities.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Digital Catapult, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Business and financial project management professionals (SOC 2440) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~314k in sample- Middle half £45,968–76,128
- Median £58,812
- Going rate £56,500
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £39,500–50,800
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Digital CatapultAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Digital Catapult holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2440 going rate of £56,500. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.