Head of Innovation Development (Research & Innovation)

at  Manchester Metropolitan University

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.)

Please refer the Job description for details