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Innovation Manager
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Innovation Manager | Manchester | Full-time
We’re looking for an Innovation Manager to lead a vibrant centre for entrepreneurs, growing businesses, creatives and partners in Manchester.
This role is about making connections happen. You’ll build a community where people want to spend time, develop events and partnerships that create real opportunities, and make sure the centre runs well commercially and day to day. You’ll be just as comfortable bringing new people into the space as you are managing a budget or making an event run smoothly.
What you’ll be doing
Build a thriving community
- Create a welcoming environment for members, visitors and partners.
- Plan events, workshops, networking and other activities that reflect Manchester’s diverse business and innovation community.
- Help people meet, share ideas and find opportunities to collaborate.
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Develop partnerships and opportunities
- Build relationships with start-ups, established businesses, universities, community organisations and the creative sector.
- Identify opportunities for new programmes, sponsorship, funding and collaboration.
- Connect members with people and resources that can help their ideas and businesses grow.
Lead the centre
- Oversee day-to-day operations and deliver an excellent member and visitor experience.
- Attract new businesses, entrepreneurs and partners to the centre.
- Manage budgets, suppliers and contracts, and contribute to the centre’s commercial performance.
- Develop new income opportunities while keeping the centre’s purpose and community at the heart of your decisions.
Raise its profile
- Represent the centre at events and across relevant Manchester networks.
- Build its reputation as a place where businesses and ideas can develop.
- Share the stories and successes of the people who use the space.
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About you
You’re a natural relationship builder who enjoys bringing people together and turning ideas into action. You understand Manchester’s entrepreneurial and innovation landscape, and you can work confidently with everyone from a start-up founder to a corporate partner or community organisation.
You’ll also bring:
- Experience building communities, partnerships or programmes.
- Strong event planning and stakeholder management skills.
- Commercial awareness and confidence managing budgets and operational priorities.
- The ability to set a longer-term direction while staying close to the practical details.
- Curiosity about emerging technology, creative businesses and new ways of working.
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