At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative programmes that boost Greater Manchester's digital and tech scene.
- Company: Join Manchester Digital, a key player in the tech ecosystem.
- Benefits: Shape impactful initiatives while enjoying a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with industry leaders and enjoy excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in innovation and economic growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Innovation Programme Lead
Manchester Digital is looking for an experienced and commercially minded Innovation Programme Lead to lead a portfolio of programmes that support the growth of Greater Manchester's digital and technology sector.
You'll take ownership of programmes from concept through to delivery and evaluation, working with businesses, partners, funders and educators to create initiatives that make a real impact.
This is a varied role combining programme management, stakeholder engagement, commercial development and event delivery.
You'll also contribute to sponsorship, partnerships and employer engagement to help ensure our programmes remain sustainable and continue to grow.
Key Responsibilities
- Programme Leadership
- Lead programmes from concept through to delivery, evaluation and continuous improvement.
- Develop project plans, manage timelines, budgets and reporting.
- Monitor programme performance and identify opportunities to improve outcomes.
- Ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard.
- Stakeholder & Partnership Management
- Build strong relationships with employers, members, partners, funders and education providers.
- Act as the main point of contact for your programmes.
- Represent Manchester Digital at meetings, workshops, networking events and conferences.
- Develop partnerships that strengthen programme delivery and long-term impact.
- Commercial Development
- Identify sponsorship, funding and partnership opportunities.
- Support commercial conversations with employers and partners.
- Contribute towards programme income and surplus targets.
- Work collaboratively across the organisation to maximise commercial opportunities.
- Events & Community
- Lead and support the delivery of workshops, networking events and programme activity.
- Support flagship events including Manchester Digital Festival, Manchester Digital Conference and Tech Leaders Talks.
- Work with colleagues to ensure an excellent experience for delegates, partners and sponsors.
- Collaboration & Administration
- Maintain accurate programme records and reporting.
- Use CRM and project management systems effectively.
- Work collaboratively across Membership, Marketing and Operations to deliver organisational objectives.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who enjoys taking ownership, building relationships and making things happen.
You'll be
- An experienced programme or project manager.
- Highly organised and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
- A confident communicator who enjoys working with businesses and partners.
- Commercially aware and able to identify opportunities for growth.
- Proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused.
Essential Experience
- Experience managing programmes or projects through their full lifecycle , from planning and delivery to evaluation and continuous improvement.
- Experience managing multiple stakeholders and building strong partnerships.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Experience managing budgets, reporting and KPIs.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Experience using CRM or project management systems.
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team.
Desirable
- Experience delivering innovation, skills, business support or employer engagement programmes.
- Experience securing sponsorship, partnerships or external funding.
- Knowledge of Greater Manchester's digital and technology sector.
- Experience delivering conferences, workshops or networking events.
Why Join Manchester Digital?
This is an opportunity to shape programmes that support one of the UK's fastest-growing technology ecosystems.
You'll work with ambitious businesses, industry leaders, educators and public sector partners to deliver initiatives that have a genuine impact on innovation, skills and economic growth across Greater Manchester.
If you enjoy taking ownership, building relationships and delivering programmes that make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.
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Innovation Programmes Lead in Manchester employer: Manchester Digital
At Manchester Digital, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. As a Chief Software Engineering Leader, you will not only lead a talented team but also enjoy flexible working arrangements, competitive pension contributions, and generous annual leave that grows with your tenure, making it an ideal environment for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation Programmes Lead in Manchester
✨Leverage Innovation Hubs
Tap into local innovation hubs and research centres. These places often host events and workshops where you can meet like-minded people and industry leaders. Plus, they might have job openings that aren't widely advertised, so keep your ears open!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Turn your past innovation projects into compelling stories. Create a portfolio showcasing your creativity and problem-solving skills. This can give hiring managers a real flavour of what you can bring to the table at companies like Manchester Digital.
✨Connect at Industry Conferences
Make it a point to attend industry conferences and seminars focused on R&D and innovation management. These events are fantastic for networking and often have job boards or career fairs where you can connect directly with firms looking for talent.
✨Use Your University’s Resources
If you're fresh out of university, don't forget to tap into your institution's career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies seeking new talent in R&D, especially for full-time roles. It's a good shortcut to landing a gig at places like Manchester Digital.
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Programmes Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Creative Thinking:In innovation and R&D management, it's all about thinking outside the box. Make sure your CV highlights any projects or experiences that showcase your creative problem-solving skills. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've developed and implemented innovative ideas in previous roles.
Tailor Your Experience to R&D:When you're crafting your CV, focus on your experience in research and development. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, including methodologies used and results achieved. This will show us at Manchester Digital that you understand the R&D process and can contribute meaningfully to our projects.
Let Your Passion Shine in the Cover Letter:For a full-time role like this, your cover letter should reflect your genuine passion for innovation and development. Share your excitement about the opportunity to work at Manchester Digital and touch on how your goals align with our mission. This helps us see your motivation for wanting to join our team!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in R&D! Whenever possible, quantify your achievements in your CV. Whether it’s a percentage improvement in project outcomes, the budget size you’ve managed, or the number of successful products you've launched, these figures will help paint a clearer picture of your impact and capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Digital
✨Show Off Your Innovative Thinking
In an Innovation R&D Management role at Manchester Digital, they're going to want to see how you approach problem-solving. Be ready to discuss previous projects where you introduced a new idea or process. Highlight your ability to think outside the box and provide examples where your innovations drove significant results.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Technologies
Make sure you're clued up on the latest tools and technologies related to innovation management, such as project management software and data analysis platforms. Being able to discuss specific tools you’ve used or have experience with will show Manchester Digital that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this is a full-time gig, emphasising your teamwork skills will be essential. In innovation, collaboration often sparks the best ideas, so be ready to talk about how you've worked effectively within cross-functional teams in your past roles. Have concrete examples at the ready!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions in your interview that reflect real challenges you might face in the role. £At Manchester Digital, they might want to see how you handle tight deadlines or manage conflicting ideas within a team. Prepare some responses that demonstrate your critical thinking and decisiveness in high-pressure situations.
