Grant Writing Specialist

Description:

Hooper Quinn, a high-impact engineering consultancy, is seeking a strategic Grant Writer (open to full-time, part-time, or consultancy-based arrangements) to lead the discovery, planning, and acquisition of external funding that accelerates both internal growth and client success. Based in Buckingham with hybrid work flexibility, this role calls for a highly organized and results-driven individual with deep knowledge of UK, EU, and international funding mechanisms.

The successful candidate will manage every stage of the grant lifecycle—from scouting opportunities to managing post-award compliance—while translating technical concepts into powerful funding proposals. You'll collaborate closely with subject matter experts across the company, develop funding strategies, and build lasting relationships with key grant providers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Opportunity Scouting: Identify and monitor relevant funding opportunities through government, foundation, and corporate portals.

• Strategic Planning: Assess strategic alignment, plan submissions, and gain stakeholder buy-in.

• Proposal Development: Write and edit high-quality grant materials, including letters of intent, full proposals, budgets, and supporting documents.

• Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborate with internal departments (engineering, finance, legal) to meet deadlines with complete and accurate submissions.

• Fundraising Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain relationships with program officers and grant-makers.

• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure all awarded grants meet funder requirements, including thorough record keeping and reporting schedules.

• Performance Analysis: Track success metrics (e.g., award values, win rate, cost-to-win ratios) to improve future strategies.

• Capacity Building: Educate internal teams and clients on trends and best practices in grant acquisition.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field (grant-writing certification is a plus)

• History of winning high-value grants (£500k+ aggregate in the last year)

• Deep understanding of funding bodies such as Innovate UK, Horizon Europe, NIHR, etc.

• Technical knowledge in mechanical, systems, electronics, or software engineering

• Strong writing and storytelling ability tailored for technical and non-technical audiences

• High financial literacy and experience constructing cost models and budgets

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with experience using grant management tools

• Team-oriented with the ability to work independently

What They Offer:

• A vital role in a rapidly growing, values-driven organization with an innovative work culture

• Involvement in cross-disciplinary projects at high technical levels (including motorsport-level pace)

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits for full-time employees (e.g., full healthcare)

• Annual company ski trip and quarterly team events for full-time staff

• Significant opportunities for career development and learning

About the Company:
Hooper Quinn is a leading engineering consultancy with four core divisions—Product Development, Motorsport, Digital & Software, and Advanced Technologies—providing design and development services across various technical industries. Built from former F1 engineers and elite specialists, the team delivers excellence by combining innovative strategy with technical mastery.