Head of Innovation Development (Research & Innovation) - (8105)

Manchester Metropolitan University is a great university in a great global city. Through our excellent research and knowledge exchange, we transform lives by harnessing our creativity and confidence to deliver economic and societal impacts that address the grand challenges of our time. We are driven by a commitment to make a positive impact on the world, and we collaborate with public and private organisations of all shapes and sizes, from SMEs to multinationals, from civic agencies community organisations to develop meaningful solutions through world-leading research and innovation.

We are seeking a Head of Innovation Development. This is a leadership role within the Research & Innovation Directorate that will play a significant part in the strategic development of innovation and knowledge exchange award and income opportunities, through engagement with external partners in the public, private and third sector.

Reporting to the Director of Innovation Development, the post holder will lead a team of Innovation Development Managers who support academic colleagues to grow a pipeline of opportunities, developing and managing relationships with external partners, and capturing innovation and knowledge exchange awards and income.

A key focus of Manchester Met's Research Strategy, is to   increase the quality, impact and value of innovation collaborations. This role will work proactively to generate opportunities aligned to Manchester Met's Research Missions, which reflect our areas of research excellence.

We are looking for a highly experienced innovation, knowledge exchange and business development professional ready to help us achieve this ambition by:

• Leading the Innovation Development team and working closely with academic research leaders to focus resources and activity strategically to achieve innovation and knowledge exchange KPIs related to award value and quality.
• Working closely with the Director of Innovation Development to develop and maintain relationships with external networks of stakeholders, funders, multipliers (organisations that multiply our engagement efforts), building Manchester Met's reputation and connectivity within the Greater Manchester Innovation Ecosystem and beyond.
• Collaborating with the Head of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and Commercial Development Manager (within R&I), as well as other leaders in the Research & Innovation Directorate and wider University to ensure Innovation Development efforts are aligned with other University priorities.
• Developing networks with colleagues in the Business Engagement & Partnerships Directorate and other business-facing directorates within Manchester Met, to jointly identify opportunities for University-wide strategic partnerships that span the full-range of our offer to business (access to talent, skills, growth, innovation, apprenticeships, etc.)

You will bring:

• Knowledge of innovation and R&D within a higher-education setting
• Demonstrable experience of coaching a team to drive performance, managing resources, workloads and changing priorities 
• Business development and management including selling, negotiation, bid writing, costing and pricing, tendering and securing external income.
• Knowledge of relevant client sectors and potential synergies with University research expertise.
• Excellent communication, influencing and interpersonal skills.

You will receive:

• An excellent reward package that provides a rounded work-life balance alongside the support necessary to take your ambitions to the next level. This includes a starting salary of £56,921 (increasing to £57,422 on 1 March 2025), generous pension benefits and 35 days of annual leave per year, plus 8 bank holiday days.
• As a member of the Research & Innovation Directorate you'll be able to work in a variable hybrid way, typically 2-3 days on site and with flexibility as needed to attend meetings and events.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity and benefits we offer, please read the JD provided. Please submit your application along with a covering letter detailing your suitability for the role. 

Candidates are encouraged to reach out to the Director of Innovation Development, Martha Sama (m.sama@mmu.ac.uk), for an informal chat before applying.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from local and international communities, particularly those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.