At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Culham Innovation Centre, ensuring exceptional service and community engagement.
- Company: Join Oxford Innovation Space, a leader in creating inspiring workspaces for ambitious businesses.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, flexible benefits, and wellbeing resources.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive, inclusive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a thriving community of innovators and entrepreneurs.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in customer-focused environments and a passion for community building.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 45000 £ per year.
At Oxford Innovation Space, we create and manage inspiring workspaces where ambitious businesses can thrive. With over 35 years of experience and a growing network of innovation centres across the UK and Ireland, we support more than 1,000 occupiers across multiple sectors. Our centres are more than just buildings – they’re buzzing communities of entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers.
We’re excited to announce a vacancy for a Centre Manager at Culham Innovation Centre to join our team and help deliver exceptional service to our centre community. Located at the heart of Culham Campus, Culham Innovation Centre provides flexible office, workshop and laboratory space within a thriving science and technology community. Home to innovative businesses in sectors including fusion energy, advanced engineering, robotics, AI, scientific instrumentation, deep-tech, life sciences and specialist technical consultancy, the centre offers a collaborative and supportive environment where ambitious organisations can connect, grow and innovate.
This role is part-time (22.5 hrs per week) and we’re happy to discuss suitable working patterns as part of the interview process.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Act as a figurehead for the centre locally, regionally and nationally, creating success, selling and marketing the product offering whilst enhancing its reputation for excellence.
- Overall management control and accountability for the financial and commercial performance of the centre, and to deliver all aspects of sales, marketing, and operational activities for the centre to attract new customers and ensuring the retention of existing occupiers.
- Cultivate the working partnership between OI Space and Culham Campus, identifying and developing opportunities for collaboration and joint initiatives.
- Deliver a world class service to the centre community in facilities, support and collaborative connections and the training and development of centre staff.
What You’ll Bring:
- Proven leadership experience in a customer-focused or service-led environment.
- A commercial mindset with experience in sales, marketing, and budget management.
- Proven experience working with, supporting, or developing networks across science, technology, or innovation led sectors, particularly fusion energy, advanced engineering, robotics, AI, deep-tech and life sciences.
- A passion for creating great experiences and building community.
Why You’ll Love Working Here:
- Salary: Up to £42,000 - £45,000 per annum, pro-rata, depending on experience, plus flexible benefits package.
- Time off: 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays.
- Flexible benefits: Options to swap salary for extra benefits, including additional holiday.
- Wellbeing: Wellbeing days and health resources.
- Development: Full induction, buddy system, and ongoing learning opportunities.
- Culture: A supportive, inclusive team that values your voice and ideas.
- Purpose: A chance to make a real difference in the lives of entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
We’re Committed to Inclusion. We’re building a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply - you might be just the person we’re looking for. We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we’ve received sufficient applications, so apply early to avoid disappointment.
Centre Manager in Abingdon employer: Oxford Innovation Space
Oxford Innovation Space is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture where collaboration and community engagement are at the forefront. As a part-time Community Concierge at Heyford Park Innovation Centre, you will enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal growth, alongside competitive benefits such as a generous holiday allowance and well-being support, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the success of local businesses.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Centre Manager in Abingdon
✨Leverage Your University Network
Since you’re eyeing a part-time gig in management consulting, tap into your university’s career services or alumni network. Many consultancies scout for talent through these channels, so you never know when a former student might lead you to an exciting role at Oxford Innovation Space.
✨Join Consulting Competitions
Get involved in case competitions and strategy games at university. These events not only sharpen your skills but also give you the chance to make connections with professionals in the field. Plus, showcasing your problem-solving skills could catch the eye of recruiters from firms like Oxford Innovation Space.
✨Engage in Relevant Online Communities
Sign up for platforms like LinkedIn Groups or specialised forums centred around consulting. Engaging with others in these spaces can lead to informal chats that might just land you a part-time role at Oxford Innovation Space or similar firms.
✨Pitch Yourself Proactively
Instead of waiting for openings, reach out to firms like Oxford Innovation Space directly. Craft an engaging email outlining your skills and interest in part-time consulting work. Yes, it's a bit bold, but you’d be surprised how often that proactive approach pays off!
We think you need these skills to ace Centre Manager in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:As a part-time management consultant, you’ll need to showcase your strong analytical skills. Make sure your CV reflects your experience in data interpretation and problem-solving, possibly through specific examples in past projects or coursework relevant to consulting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should really demonstrate your motivation for wanting to join Oxford Innovation Space and why consulting appeals to you, even in a part-time capacity. Talk about your learning potential and how you can balance the part-time role with other commitments, showing that you're eager to dive into real-world challenges.
Share Relevant Projects:If you’ve worked on consulting projects or undertaken relevant coursework, don’t hesitate to mention them! Even if they were part of your studies, your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings is a huge plus—attach or mention any reports, presentations, or case studies you've produced.
Refine Your CV for Consultancy Roles:Tailor your CV specifically for management consulting by using keywords from the job description—this will help you stand out. Emphasise any teamwork, leadership, or communication skills, as these are crucial in consulting, especially when interpreting client needs or facilitating discussions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Innovation Space
✨Master Your Case Study Skills
In management consulting, you'll likely face a case study during interviews, so let’s nail these down! Get familiar with the typical frameworks, like SWOT or Porter’s Five Forces, and practice with real case studies to showcase your analytical skills. Remember, they want to see your thought process as much as the final answer!
✨Talk the Talk of Management
Prepare to discuss management theories and concepts in detail. Brush up on current trends in consulting, like digital transformation or sustainability, and be ready to weave them into your answers. This shows you’re not just academically sound but also genuinely engaged with industry developments.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Learning
As a part-time candidate, highlighting your ability to manage time effectively and quickly adapt is key. Be ready to showcase any relevant experience or projects that demonstrate your learning curve in consulting—this will resonate with interviewers who are keen on growth potential over rigid experience.
✨Get Your Story Straight
Prepare a strong personal narrative explaining why you’re looking to work part-time in the consulting field. Relate it to your skills, interests, or personal goals that align with the role at Oxford Innovation Space. This will help you stand out and show your dedication, even in a part-time capacity.
