Enterprise Programmes Manager

Research and External Engagement (REE) is a new integrated service dedicated to driving forward the University’s ambitions for research, innovation, skills and enterprise. This professional service works to support our students, drive research excellence, upskill and reskill the region’s workforce, strengthening relationships and engagement with our alumni, business and community partners. Through cutting-edge research initiatives, hands-on learning opportunities, strategic partnerships, civic leadership, and skills delivery, we will empower individuals to thrive in an ever-changing world.

The Enterprise team within REE delivers start-up and skills support to students, graduates, alumni, staff and regional entrepreneurs/founders. The team is responsible for building an inclusive and engaging environment that enables these communities to explore possibilities, create solutions to challenges, build confidence, turn ideas into reality and create societal, cultural and economic value. The Enterprise team designs, manages and delivers a wide range of facilities and support. This includes enterprise programmes; incubator space; pop-up shops; coaching; mentoring; funding/investment advice; scholarships; and workshops.

The Enterprise Programmes Manager will develop and deliver a range of programmes and support that enhances the University’s ‘enterprise pathway’, providing space, mentoring and skills development to entrepreneurs. They will deliver existing enterprise and business support programmes, including the Launch Space incubator, as well as managing the development and growth of new initiatives.

About you: Are you passionate about empowering innovation and supporting ambitious entrepreneurs? We are looking for an exceptional Enterprise Programme Manager to drive the delivery and expansion of our enterprise support initiatives, including our flagship Launch Space incubator and the Student Ventures initiatives. In this exciting role, you will:

• Lead and manage the Launch Space programme, providing space, mentoring, and specialist guidance to high-potential startups.
• Deliver and expand business support programmes for early-stage founders, ensuring our participants gain practical skills, expert insight, and meaningful peer networks.
• Unlock additional funding opportunities to strengthen our support offer and scale impact.
• Forge and maintain connections across the regional innovation ecosystem, collaborating with the key stakeholders in the region to strengthen our offer to participants.
• Champion inclusion across all our initiatives ensuring equitable access to entrepreneurial support.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of innovation in the region. You will work at the heart of one of the UK’s most exciting tech and enterprise ecosystems, delivering transformative programmes and helping startups thrive.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience delivering enterprise or business support initiatives.
• Deep knowledge of the regional innovation and startup landscape.
• Strong skills in partnership building, mentoring, and programme development.
• Confidence in navigating funding environments and writing persuasive proposals.
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to inclusive practice.

Join us and play a pivotal role in supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. If you don’t meet every single requirement but are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply or reach out for an informal conversation, we’d love to hear from you.

This post is based at our lively Frenchay campus where we have invested in the latest facilities and resources to give both our staff and students access to everything they need to succeed. We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 38,000 students and 4,000 staff from right across the globe. Based in Bristol, one of the UK’s most exciting and forward-thinking cities, we are regionally embedded and globally connected, with an established network of employer and academic partners.

We offer a wide range of employee benefits including progressive pay rates, generous annual leave and career average pension schemes as well as retail savings, onsite nursery and opportunities for training and personal development. We are proud to be part of a vibrant, multicultural city that celebrates diversity, we’re always looking for talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Our people are our strength, and diversity enhances our creativity and leads to better decision-making and problem-solving. Bring your talent and ambition to our growing community and find yourself in a stimulating and supportive environment where you’ll thrive.

We particularly encourage applications from global majority candidates as we are currently under-represented in this area of the organisation, however all appointments are made strictly on individual merit. As a Disability Confident employer, we welcome applications from those who identify as having a disability.

If you would like to speak to us to find out more about this role please contact Mark Corderoy on 011732 81053 or email: mark.corderoy@uwe.ac.uk. This is a full time, permanent post working 37 hours per week. This post is available on a job share basis for applicants wishing to work part time.

This role is therefore campus based for at least 60% percent of your time, with the opportunity to work from home on the remaining days. To ensure fairness and equity all salary offers will be made in line with the University's salary assessment guidelines and will be based on your relevant skills and experience.

The University has a legal responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. You will therefore be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK, please refer to the Home Office Right to Work Checklist for information on which documents are acceptable.

We’d love to hear from you - if you are excited about this opportunity please complete our application form as soon as possible. Tell us how your skills and experience relate to the requirements of this role by describing how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria listed in the Person Specification section of the Job Description, and include specific examples wherever possible. Once we have completed shortlisting we will let you know the outcome of your application by email, so please check your inbox for updates.