At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a vibrant innovation ecosystem at Newcastle University.
- Company: Newcastle University, a world-class civic institution committed to impactful research and education.
- Benefits: Generous holiday package, pension schemes, health initiatives, and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to creating inclusive growth and societal benefit.
- Why this job: Shape the future of innovation and make a real-world impact on society.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in innovation, partnerships, and complex programmes.
The predicted salary is between 58225 - 61759 £ per year.
Salary: £58,225 to £61,759 with progression to £67,468 per annum
Closing Date: 5 July 2026
From Newcastle. For the World.
Help shape the next generation of innovation.
At Newcastle University, we are redefining what it means to be a world‑class civic university. Through our Next Generation Newcastle transformation, we are making a generational commitment to shape a better future, delivering research, education and innovation that creates real-world impact locally and globally.
This is a moment of exciting change. We are strengthening our focus on partnerships, place and innovation to unlock the full value of our research and talent, working with business, government and communities to tackle the challenges that matter most.
As part of this, we have transformed our Knowledge Exchange function and created Newcastle Innovations, bringing together expertise in commercialisation, partnerships and engagement into a more integrated, ambitious and outward-facing model. We are building a dynamic innovation ecosystem that accelerates the journey from discovery to impact, connecting our strengths in health, energy, data and creative practice with real‑world needs and opportunities.
If you are ambitious about innovation with purpose, and want to shape how a leading university delivers growth, impact and societal benefit, this is your opportunity.
We are seeking a talented leader to join the Newcastle Innovations Executive Team and play a central role in shaping and delivering our innovation ambition.
You will lead the development of a vibrant, connected and mission‑led innovation ecosystem—embedding Newcastle University at the heart of regional, national and global innovation networks. You will design and deliver new ways of working that bring together academia, industry, government and communities to co‑create solutions and drive inclusive, sustainable growth.
Working closely with the Director of Newcastle Innovations, you will:
- Develop and deliver an open, mission‑led innovation framework, translating strategy into impactful programmes and partnerships
- Build and lead high‑value, cross‑sector collaborations, connecting partners across the quadruple helix to deliver investment, innovation and growth
- Create and manage a strong pipeline of innovation opportunities, from early‑stage concepts through to investible propositions and large‑scale bids
- Champion interdisciplinary working and co‑design, embedding innovation practices and skills across the University
- Lead strategic external engagement and ecosystem development, positioning Newcastle as a partner of choice for innovation
- Drive new approaches to business models, partnerships and place, maximising the value and impact of our activity
You will also play a broader leadership role across Business, Innovation, Partnerships and Place, helping to shape institutional direction, strengthen capability and deliver measurable impact.
About you
You will bring:
- A strong track record of leading innovation, partnerships and complex programmes
- Deep understanding of innovation ecosystems, commercialisation and place‑based growth
- Experience of building strategic relationships across sectors and disciplines
- Commercial acumen and the ability to turn ideas into deliverable, investable opportunities
- The leadership skills to inspire teams, influence stakeholders and drive change in a complex environment
Benefits
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award and a Race Equality Charter Bronze award. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
For more information about this role feel free to contact Estelle Blanks, Director of Business Development & Enterprise.
To apply please upload your CV and cover letter evidencing how your skills and experiences align to the skills, knowledge and experience criteria as outlined within the job description.
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
Head of Innovation Ecosystem employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, generous benefits, and a focus on inclusivity, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact both locally and globally. Join us in shaping the future of innovation while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and fosters professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Innovation Ecosystem
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the innovation space. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to industry leaders on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for innovation! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for driving change and creating impact. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission and vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and partnerships. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can help shape their innovation ecosystem!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our innovative community at Newcastle University.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Innovation Ecosystem
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Innovation Ecosystem role. Highlight your experience in leading innovation and partnerships, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant projects that demonstrate your ability to drive change.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your skills align with the job description. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to building a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've inspired teams and influenced stakeholders in complex environments. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our mission at Newcastle University.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Know Your Innovation Ecosystem
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding Newcastle University's innovation ecosystem. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects, partnerships, and how they connect academia with industry and government. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your alignment with their mission and your ability to contribute meaningfully.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples that highlight your leadership experience in driving innovation and managing complex programmes. Be ready to discuss how you've inspired teams and influenced stakeholders in previous roles. This will show them you have the right skills to lead their innovation ambitions.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Experience
Since the role involves building high-value collaborations, come prepared with stories of successful partnerships you've developed across sectors. Discuss how you navigated challenges and created win-win situations, showcasing your ability to connect diverse stakeholders for impactful outcomes.
✨Align with Their Values
Newcastle University values diversity and inclusion, so make sure to express your commitment to these principles during the interview. Share experiences where you've championed inclusive practices or worked with diverse teams, reinforcing that you can contribute to their mission of societal benefit.
