Director (External Engagement) – Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute (DFI) in Birmingham

Director (External Engagement) – Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute (DFI) in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
A

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead external engagement and shape strategic direction for a nationally recognised institute.
  • Company: Join the Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute at Aston University.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and excellent training opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive environment with growth potential and community focus.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting research with industry needs.
  • Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in innovation or commercial technology required.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

  • Director (External Engagement) – Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute (DFI)
  • Job Overview

We are seeking a collaborative and strategically minded leader to lead the external engagement activity of the Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute (SPR DFI).

This is a high‑profile opportunity to shape a nationally recognised institute that connects research, innovation, and emerging technologies with real‑world industry need.

As Director (External Engagement), you will provide strategic leadership, support sustainable growth, and build effective partnerships across industry, government, and academia.

You will help position DFI as an industry‑facing institute that delivers practical solutions, market‑ready propositions, and meaningful impact.

Responsibilities

  • Shape the strategic direction of SPR DFI, develop commercial opportunities, and build strong partnerships that translate research and innovation into practical solutions.
  • Provide visible and inclusive leadership across senior stakeholder networks, contribute to regional and national strategy, and oversee delivery, governance, and performance.
  • Collaborate with the Director (Academic) to guide the institute’s external engagement activities.
  • Build confidence with senior stakeholders across academia, industry, and government, and lead the institute to deliver outcomes.

Qualifications

  • Senior leadership experience in industry, applied innovation, or commercial technology environments.
  • Sound commercial judgement and proven ability to turn ideas into outcomes.
  • Ability to build partnerships and influence stakeholders across academia, industry, and government.
  • Strong commitment to delivery, growth, and impact.

Benefits

  • Aston University campus in Birmingham city centre with excellent transport links.
  • Hybrid working possible, combining on‑campus and home work.
  • Excellent training and development opportunities.
  • Generous annual leave: 31 bookable days plus 13 bank holiday and university closure days.
  • Discounts to activities and retailers, family‑friendly policies, on‑site gym and pool with discounted staff membership.
  • Potential Skilled Worker visa sponsorship; eligibility assessed if shortlisted.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Director (External Engagement) – Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute (DFI) in Birmingham employer: Allscreens Nationwide Ltd

Allscreens Nationwide is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive team culture where employees are valued and encouraged to thrive. With access to state-of-the-art training facilities and opportunities for career progression, our Automotive Glazing Technicians in Birmingham can expect not only competitive bonuses but also the chance to work with the latest technology in the industry. Join us and be part of a company that prioritises both employee well-being and customer satisfaction.

A

Contact Details:

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director (External Engagement) – Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute (DFI) in Birmingham

Get Involved in Industry Events

Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!

Engage in Professional Networks

Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Allscreens Nationwide Ltd.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Allscreens Nationwide Ltd.

Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence

Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.

We think you need these skills to ace Director (External Engagement) – Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute (DFI) in Birmingham

Strategic Leadership
Partnership Building
Stakeholder Engagement
Commercial Judgement
Applied Innovation
Influencing Skills
Project Delivery

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!

Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Allscreens Nationwide Ltd.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Allscreens Nationwide Ltd. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!

Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!

How to prepare for a job interview at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd

Showcase Your Leadership Style

You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Allscreens Nationwide Ltd, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.

Brush Up on Management Theories

Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.

Craft Your Vision for the Company

Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Allscreens Nationwide Ltd could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.

Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture

In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.