Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant innovation centre, supporting SMEs and driving community initiatives.
- 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.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on entrepreneurs and the local economy in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong relationship-building skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values your voice and offers growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 SMEs across 35+ locations. Our centres are more than just buildings - they’re buzzing communities of entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers. Opening in early 2026, the Workington Innovation Centre will be a purpose-built hub for digital technology and advanced manufacturing businesses. It will offer flexible, high-quality workspace, meeting and event facilities, and tailored business support. With sustainability at its core and a prime town centre location, the Centre will help drive innovation, attract talent, and grow the west Cumbrian economy.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead the strategic direction and performance of the centre, ensuring it meets commercial, operational, and community goals.
- Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including our client Cumberland Council, local partners, and the wider innovation network.
- Oversee the delivery of business support programmes, events, and community-building initiatives that help SMEs thrive.
- Manage the centre team, ensuring high standards of service, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
- Drive financial performance, reporting, and planning to maximise return for both Oxford Innovation Space and Cumberland Council.
What You’ll Bring
- Proven leadership experience in a commercial, innovation, or business support environment.
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
- A deep understanding of SME needs, economic development, and innovation ecosystems.
- Experience managing budgets, contracts, and operational performance.
- A collaborative, forward-thinking mindset with a passion for supporting business growth.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus discretionary bonus.
- Time off: 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays.
- Flexible benefits: Options to swap salary for extra benefits, including additional holiday.
- Wellbeing: Wellbeing days, Employee Assistance Programme, and health resources.
- Perks: Discounts on high street brands, EV leasing, cycle to work scheme, and more.
- 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.
Ready to Apply?
If this sounds like your kind of role, we’d love to hear from you. Click ‘Apply’ to join us as our new Centre Director. Got questions? Reach out - we’re happy to chat.
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 Director employer: Oxford Innovation Space
Contact Detail:
Oxford Innovation Space Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Centre Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. Building relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from Oxford Innovation Space or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for innovation and supporting SMEs shine through. It’s all about making that personal connection and showing you’re the right fit for the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready for situational questions that test your leadership and problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully navigated challenges, especially in a commercial or innovation setting.
✨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 mission to support entrepreneurs and drive innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace Centre Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about leading a vibrant innovation centre and supporting SMEs. Share your vision and why you think you’d be a great fit!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Centre Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant skills that align with our goals at Oxford Innovation Space. We love seeing how your background can contribute to our mission!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and ideas. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the right person for the job!
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 the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do and our culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Innovation Space
✨Know Your Innovation Ecosystem
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the innovation ecosystem in which the centre operates. Familiarise yourself with local SMEs, key stakeholders like Cumberland Council, and any recent developments in the area. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to supporting business growth and your ability to lead effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Centre Director, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles, focusing on collaboration and community-building. Be ready to discuss how you would manage the centre team and ensure high standards of service and customer satisfaction.
✨Highlight Relationship-Building Skills
Strong relationships are at the heart of this role. Think of specific instances where you've built successful partnerships or managed stakeholder relationships. Be prepared to explain how you would engage with local partners and the wider innovation network to drive the centre's success.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Financial performance is key for the Centre Director role. Brush up on your experience managing budgets and contracts, and be ready to discuss how you've maximised returns in previous positions. Showing that you can balance commercial goals with community needs will set you apart.
