Company Profile - Innovation Funding Consultancy In this Research Consultant role, you will be joining the London office of a leading specialist innovation funding consultancy that believes in delivering client service excellence through a unique blend of talented people and innovative technology.
As trusted advisers, the business is passionate about helping innovative UK companies thrive by providing expert guidance on accessing government funding schemes, including R&D Tax Relief, grants and wider innovation funding opportunities.
The UK Government previously provided £7.6bn of support to innovative businesses in the 2021-2022 tax year and has committed to increasing innovation funding to £39.8bn between 2022 and 2025. The consultancy's mission is to help ambitious SMEs access this funding, enabling them to innovate, grow and make a meaningful impact on society.
The business believes every SME, regardless of size or resource, should have the opportunity to innovate. By removing the complexity surrounding government funding, it empowers clients to unlock their full potential and contribute to a sustainable, purpose-driven economy.
As an ambitious and growing consultancy, the firm is looking for exceptional individuals who are excited by the opportunity to make a genuine impact while developing their own careers within a collaborative, high-performing environment.
Job Description - Research Consultant As a
Research Consultant, you will complete a comprehensive internal training programme to develop an in-depth understanding of R&D Tax Relief legislation, innovation funding and HMRC guidance.
Working closely with innovative businesses across a wide variety of industries, you will identify qualifying R&D activities, assess eligibility, provide commercially focused advice and support clients throughout the entire engagement lifecycle.
You will conduct technical and financial research, facilitate client workshops, prepare robust claim documentation and support responses to HMRC enquiries, ensuring clients receive accurate, pragmatic and high-quality advice.
This role combines technical research, client consulting, financial analysis and project management, making it an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex problems while building trusted client relationships.
Key Responsibilities - Research Consultant As a Research Consultant, your responsibilities will include:
- Undertaking the firm's internal technical training programme to gain a strong understanding of R&D Tax Relief legislation, innovation funding and HMRC guidance.
- Understanding and applying R&D eligibility criteria across a broad range of industries and technologies.
- Engaging with clients through structured technical and financial discussions to identify qualifying R&D activities across new and existing client engagements.
- Leading client workshops and meetings, clearly explaining R&D Tax Relief and wider innovation funding criteria and applying these to sector-specific projects.
- Providing pragmatic, commercially focused advice on eligibility, technical risk and funding opportunities.
- Building strong client relationships and acting as a trusted adviser throughout each engagement.
- Managing client engagements, setting expectations, coordinating timelines and ensuring projects are delivered to a consistently high standard.
- Identifying, assessing and articulating both technical and financial risks within claims and recommending appropriate mitigation strategies.
- Preparing high-quality technical reports and financial documentation to support R&D Tax Relief claims and wider innovation funding applications.
- Assisting clients throughout the HMRC enquiry process by analysing enquiry letters and drafting robust, evidence-based responses.
- Organising and participating in enquiry workshops and developing effective response strategies.
- Drafting and peer reviewing enquiry responses, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance with current legislation.
- Analysing financial information and preparing responses to HMRC's financial enquiries.
- Researching relevant legislation, HMRC guidance and case law to support client claims.
- Keeping up to date with current and future developments in R&D Tax Relief legislation and the wider innovation funding landscape.
- Contributing to the continuous improvement of the firm's innovation funding services by sharing insights, improving delivery processes and supporting new product development.
- Collaborating with colleagues across the business to deliver outstanding client outcomes while maintaining a commitment to service excellence.
Job Requirements - Research Consultant To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A minimum 2:1 degree (or equivalent qualification).
- Ideally 1.5-2+ years' professional experience in R&D Tax advisory or a related innovation funding environment.
- Experience working in a client-facing role with the confidence to build strong professional relationships.
- Experience managing multiple tasks or projects within a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely.
- Strong analytical and numerical skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- A consultant-style approach with the ability to ask insightful questions, understand client needs and tailor solutions accordingly.
- A commercially minded approach to problem-solving and client delivery.
- Excellent organisational, time management and project management skills.
- The ability to think critically, undertake independent research and solve complex problems.
- A collaborative mindset and experience working in environments that encourage idea sharing and continuous feedback.
- A genuine interest in Software, Science, Technology and Innovation.
- The flexibility to adapt to changing priorities within a dynamic consultancy environment.
- A self-motivated attitude with a passion for delivering high-quality work and exceptional client service.
Benefits - Research Consultant The business offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' wellbeing, career development and work-life balance.
- Competitive starting salary of £40,000 DOE
- Generous company bonus scheme
- Regular performance-based salary reviews
- Comprehensive private healthcare, including physical, mental health, dental and optical cover
- Fantastic modern offices in Liverpool Street
- Hybrid working model with two days per week in the office
- Regular company socials, team events and offsites
- Fitness activities and wellbeing initiatives
- Lunch-and-learn sessions and collaborative knowledge sharing
- Supportive, high-performing team culture built on trust and accountability
