Cluster Engagement Lead

Senior position
Written By Valerie Evans
 
Scottish Ocean Cluster logo
 

Scottish Ocean Cluster is seeking a Cluster Engagement Lead to play a central role in strengthening industry collaboration and turning interest in innovation into commercially viable, deliverable projects, with a particular focus on seafood processing by‑products.

This is a highly collaborative, industry‑facing role and a key position within the Cluster. 

About the Role

The Cluster Engagement Lead will act as a bridge between seafood processors, technology providers, academia, regulators and public‑sector partners, helping ensure Cluster activity is grounded in real industry needs and delivers tangible economic and environmental outcomes.

The role combines strategic relationship management with hands‑on project development, supporting feasibility studies, pilot projects and demonstrator activity that unlock value from seafood by‑products and support Scotland’s transition to a resilient circular blue economy.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead industry engagement and networking across Scotland’s seafood, aquaculture and fisheries sectors, particularly shellfish

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with processors, solution providers, researchers and public‑sector partners

  • Facilitate structured discussions to understand industry challenges, opportunities and priorities

  • Support and coordinate feasibility studies, pilot projects and demonstrator activities

  • Help prepare and coordinate funding applications and commercially focused studentships

  • Manage incoming enquiries, progressing early‑stage interest into tangible projects, case studies and outcomes

  • Ensure Cluster activity remains industry‑led, relevant and delivery‑focused

 

Experience

Essential:

  • Experience working in, with or alongside seafood processors, food & drink businesses, marine industries, biotechnology or circular economy initiatives

  • Proven experience in an engagement‑focused role (e.g. industry liaison, partnership or economic development)

  • Strong track record of building trusted relationships across multiple stakeholders

  • Experience supporting or coordinating feasibility studies, pilot projects or demonstrators

  • Ability to convert early‑stage enquiries into structured, deliverable activity

Desirable:

  • Familiarity with public‑sector or innovation funding mechanisms

  • Experience supporting industry‑academic collaboration or studentships

  • Understanding of Scotland’s coastal, fisheries or regional economic development landscape

  • Exposure to cluster models or innovation networks

 

Role Details

  • Job title: Cluster Engagement Lead

  • Contract: Full‑time, 1‑year fixed term (subject to future funding)

  • Location: Preference for North East of Scotland; travel across Scotland (and occasionally internationally) required

  • Eligibility: Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK and hold a full UK driving licence

 

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and cover letter to:
📧 enquiries@scottishoceancluster.com

🗓 Application deadline: 22 May

Valerie Evans
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