At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead partnerships and secure funding for innovative alternative protein projects.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a world-class institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive leave, flexible working, and a commitment to your personal development.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent growth opportunities and diverse networks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainability and innovation while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in business development or fundraising.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement, a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.
We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a Technology & Innovation Manager to join the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC). NAPIC is a £38 million initiative, including a £15 million investment from UKRI, established to lead the UK’s alternative protein knowledge and innovation ecosystem. With a vision to make alternative proteins mainstream for a sustainable planet, NAPIC brings together world-leading expertise from the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Imperial College London, and the James Hutton Institute, alongside a network of over 150 national and international partners.
The Technology & Innovation Manager (Philanthropy & Facilities Lead) is a critical role within NAPIC, responsible for expanding the Centre’s funding base and brokering access to innovation infrastructure. The postholder will lead efforts to secure philanthropic investment and establish partnerships that enable access to external facilities, thereby contributing to the long-term financial sustainability and operational capability of the NAPIC ecosystem.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Lead the identification, engagement, and relationship management of foundation and philanthropic investors to secure new, additional funding for expansion of NAPIC's activity.
- Develop and tailor pitch materials and proposals specifically for philanthropic audiences, articulating NAPIC's vision and impact opportunities.
- Contribute ecosystem and business insight to the development of NAPIC's overall business and financial sustainability model.
- Lead the identification and documentation of alternative protein innovation and scale-up infrastructure across the UK.
- Lead the brokering of deals with external innovation facilities and infrastructure owners, facilitating access for partners and collaborators across NAPIC’s ecosystem.
- Provide and maintain a high level of technical expertise and act as a key relationship manager for a defined segment of the Centre's partner ecosystem.
- Support partnership building for the Collaborative Programme Funding (CPF) calls.
- Grow NAPIC's reputation and brand-recognition through high quality professional communication and representation at targeted trade shows, conferences, and networking events.
- Support the Technology & Innovation Manager 1 and Programme Manager in conducting due diligence and managing risk on new and existing partner relationships.
- Provide ongoing market intelligence and strategic ecosystem insight to inform the development of core NAPIC activities.
- Provide dedicated research and business development support for NAPIC at the University of Sheffield.
- Demonstrate agility and personal flexibility, readily supporting essential centre-wide tasks.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification:
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field (e.g., business, engineering, life sciences, innovation management, or related discipline).
- Strong understanding of innovation ecosystems, particularly in areas such as alternative proteins, biotechnology, or sustainability.
- Knowledge of philanthropic and research funding landscape.
- Awareness of infrastructure needs for innovation and scale-up.
- Demonstrable experience in business development, partnership development, or fundraising.
- Experience engaging with external stakeholders.
- Track record of developing proposals, pitch materials, or funding applications.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
- Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to long-term sustainability planning.
- Proactive, self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work independently and collaboratively.
- Experience in planning and delivering events and coordinating external engagements.
Further Information:
- Grade: 7
- Work arrangement: Part-time (0.6FTE)
- Duration: 01.07.2026 until 11.08.2029
For informal enquiries about this job, please contact Professor Tuck Seng Wong or Professor Louise Dye.
Next steps in the recruitment process: It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in June 2026.
A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development.
Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.
A range of generous family-friendly policies.
We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Our University Vision outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students.
Technology & Innovation Partnerships Lead in Sheffield employer: Dunhillmedical
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises diversity, inclusion, and employee wellbeing. With a commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including extensive annual leave and family-friendly policies, the university fosters an environment where staff can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in making a meaningful impact through innovative research and collaboration at the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre, located in the heart of Sheffield, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and community spirit.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technology & Innovation Partnerships Lead in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops related to alternative proteins and innovation. This is your chance to meet potential partners and investors face-to-face, so don’t be shy—introduce yourself and share your passion for the field!
✨Tip Number 2
Tailor your pitch! When you get the opportunity to present NAPIC's vision, make sure to customise your materials for your audience. Highlight how your role can drive impact and sustainability in the alternative protein sector—this will resonate with philanthropic investors.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay informed! Keep up with the latest trends and developments in the innovation ecosystem. This knowledge will not only help you in conversations but also position you as a thought leader when discussing partnerships and funding opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search—so show us what you've got!
We think you need these skills to ace Technology & Innovation Partnerships Lead in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Technology & Innovation Partnerships Lead. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your past experiences, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in business development and partnership management. We want to see how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders and secured funding in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your writing is easy to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, so get straight to the heart of your achievements and aspirations.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures that we receive all your information correctly and can process your application efficiently. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dunhillmedical
✨Know Your Ecosystem
Familiarise yourself with the alternative protein landscape and innovation ecosystems. Understand the key players, funding sources, and current trends in the industry. This knowledge will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role and NAPIC's mission.
✨Tailor Your Pitch
Prepare specific pitch materials that resonate with philanthropic audiences. Highlight NAPIC's vision and impact opportunities clearly. Practising your delivery will ensure you communicate effectively during the interview, showcasing your ability to engage stakeholders.
✨Showcase Relationship Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in building and managing relationships with external stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with industry partners or investors, as this is crucial for the Technology & Innovation Manager role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your approach to long-term sustainability planning. Think about how you can contribute to NAPIC's financial sustainability model and be ready to share insights on market intelligence that could benefit the Centre's operations.
