At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead student entrepreneurship initiatives and support innovative projects at the University of Leeds.
- Company: University of Leeds, a top institution for student enterprise.
- Benefits: 42 days holiday, health perks, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent growth potential and networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' entrepreneurial journeys and shape future innovators.
- Qualifications: Experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, and team management.
This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the University of Leeds community by nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students. This will directly support the University's aspirations to be recognised as one of the top universities in Europe for student entrepreneurship by 2030.
The University of Leeds has a national reputation for student enterprise, having won a series of awards for its outstanding initiatives, including Spark and the Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Studies. The University now seeks to build on this success through a new phase in developing student enterprise opportunities for all students and continuing to provide a wide range of targeted business support to student and recent graduate founders. This role forms a key part of this ambition.
You will play a central role in shaping the future of company formation and student enterprise, manage the activities of Spark and the Discover enterprise programme, including incubation, and lead on creating opportunities for students across the University to take their first steps in developing impactful new ideas and initiatives, practically developing their entrepreneurship and leadership skills, whilst supporting founders throughout their business development and growth.
You will manage a small but dedicated team, provide business advice to prospective founders, advise students on their business journeys, lead a series of development workshops, competitions and events, and support public dissemination of successful projects and impact. You will manage a range of grant funding opportunities and build relationships with alumni and business donors. You will manage the financial aspects of the department, attend management meetings, and be involved in the ongoing development of the University's enterprise strategy.
You will be responsible for the established Spark and Discover enterprise team, work with the Academic Lead for Enterprise, Advancement Team, makerspaces, faculties, Nexus and Research and Innovation Services to help embed enterprise into the University strategy and drive engagement. You will be able to rapidly assess and alter provision in response to student, staff and industry feedback and evaluate the impact of the work undertaken by the students and communicate this impact locally, nationally and internationally as appropriate.
In summary, this role at the University of Leeds offers a dynamic, impactful, and growth-oriented opportunity. It allows you to develop entirely new co-curricular programming, make a difference in students' lives, and expand your skills and network within the field of entrepreneurship and innovation. It's a role that combines professional development with personal satisfaction and a chance to shape the future of student entrepreneurship at the University.
If you have the drive to inspire and support student innovators, while working closely with staff supporting the university's student enterprise strategy, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of entrepreneurship at the University of Leeds.
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!
- 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.
Head of Student Enterprise in Leeds employer: Enterprise Educators UK
Enterprise Educators UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Entrepreneurship Institute where innovation thrives. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters professional growth through leadership opportunities and engagement with a vibrant network of investors and start-ups. Located within a prestigious university, this role not only provides meaningful contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem but also supports personal development in a forward-thinking educational setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Student Enterprise in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head of Student Enterprise at Enterprise Educators UK!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Enterprise Educators UK or be willing to refer you for that Head of Student Enterprise position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Enterprise Educators UK who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Student Enterprise star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head of Student Enterprise role at Enterprise Educators UK!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Student Enterprise in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Enterprise Educators UK. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Enterprise Educators UK
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Enterprise Educators UK. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
