Space Hub Yorkshire – Cluster Development Manager for FDI in Leeds

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements and considering job sharing.

Are you a motivated and experienced cluster development manager with excellent commercial, inward investment, research and innovation knowledge, network building skills, and an interest in the Space sector? Do you want to take a leading role in growing a regional Space cluster in Yorkshire, leading Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) propositions and working with industry partners, research and government agencies across the UK?

We are looking for experienced and motivated applicants to apply for a position as a Space Hub Yorkshire (SHY) Cluster Development Manager for FDI, leading the implementation of the SHY development strategy. Hosted at the University of Leeds but working closely with all of our Combined Authorities, Yorkshire Universities and businesses, this is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in growing a Space Hub in the UK.

Key aspects of the role will be to:

• Identify opportunities to attract foreign direct inward investment into the Yorkshire & Humber region from the UK and overseas investors through the promotion of the commercial, industrial, research and skills assets of the region within the Space and Space adjacent sectors.
• Develop, create, implement and promote inward investment propositions for the Yorkshire and Humber region.
• Engage with and influence local, regional and national policy makers across a variety of stakeholders including Mayoral Combined Authorities and Space industry stakeholders.
• Grow collaborative working between all 12 Yorkshire Universities’ members and between businesses, to facilitate Knowledge Exchange from academia to Space industry businesses, and to grow the Space sector in Yorkshire.

You will have an excellent track record of foreign direct investment work, leadership, partnership working, experience of cluster development work, knowledge of the Space sector; and an enthusiasm for working closely with academics, businesses, Space industry and international Space agencies.

Space Hub Yorkshire (SHY) is supporting the growth of the UK’s Space industry in Yorkshire. The SHY consortium brings together universities, colleges, local authorities, government agencies, and commercial partners covering a geographic area across the Yorkshire (and Humber) region, and building links with other clusters across the UK.

The role will involve significant engagement with local governance, universities, businesses, policy makers and industry and third-sector partners. You will be based in the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds but will work closely with all affiliated organisations across Yorkshire.

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions.

What we offer in return:

• 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance – The University contributes 14.5% of salary.
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team. Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.