CAMBRIDGE × MANCHESTER INNOVATION PARTNERSHIP

Location: Based in Manchester, with regular time in Cambridge (or vice versa for the right candidate)
Hours: Full time
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
Contract: Fixed term (with potential for extension)

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

If you’re values-driven and excited by the opportunity to build something meaningful, we want to hear from you. We’re looking for a strategic, mission-driven leader with the experience and mindset to make innovation work across organisations, sectors and cities.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Vision & Strategy:

• Be the face of the partnership sharing our mission, securing buy-in, and creating momentum
• Set priorities and direction, aligned to long-term impact
• Champion collaboration, inclusion, and purpose in everything we do

Programme Delivery:

• Lead delivery of a complex, multi-stakeholder programme with national visibility
• Manage operations, governance, finances and outcomes with clarity and confidence
• Develop and secure long-term funding to sustain and grow the partnership

Ecosystem & Influence:

• Build bridges between Cambridge and Manchester ecosystems
• Connect founders, researchers, industry and policymakers
• Represent the partnership nationally and make it a model others want to replicate

Leadership:

• Recruit, build and lead a collaborative, cross-city team
• Shape a culture rooted in openness, mission and experimentation
• Inspire confidence, connection and action from everyone involved

As the Partnership Director, you’ll play a pivotal role in:

• Establishing the partnership team
• Designing and delivering a nationally significant programme
• Connecting two of the UK’s most powerful innovation ecosystems
• Driving investment, collaboration and inclusive innovation
• Developing a sustainable financial model to sustain and grow the partnership
• Shaping the future of innovation policy and practice in the U