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, a leader in creating inspiring workspaces for ambitious businesses.
- Benefits: Up to £50,000 salary, 25 days holiday, flexible perks, and wellbeing resources.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on entrepreneurs and the local economy in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in business support, strong relationship-building skills, and a passion for innovation.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and ideas; apply even if you don't meet every requirement.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Centre Director role at Oxford Innovation. The role is based at Workington Innovation Centre, opening early 2026, where you will be at the heart of a dynamic innovation ecosystem.
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. The Workington Innovation Centre will be a purpose‑built hub for digital technology and advanced manufacturing businesses, offering 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 Cumbria economy.
Scope & Responsibilities
- 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.
Qualifications & Experience
- 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.
Benefits & Perks
- 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.
Job Details
- Seniority level: Director
- Employment type: Full‑time
- Job function: Business Development and Sales
- Industries: Consumer Services
Diversity & 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 in Workington employer: Oxford Innovation
Contact Detail:
Oxford Innovation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Centre Director in Workington
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Oxford Innovation. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with someone from the company, let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about why you’re excited about the Centre Director role and how you can contribute to the innovation ecosystem. Passion is contagious!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on Oxford Innovation and the Workington Innovation Centre. Know their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Follow Up
After any interaction, whether it’s an interview or a casual chat, send a quick thank-you note. It shows professionalism and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Centre Director in Workington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Centre Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our mission at Oxford Innovation. We want to see how you can contribute to our buzzing community!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills: In your application, emphasise your relationship-building abilities. We’re looking for someone who can connect with local partners and stakeholders, so share examples of how you've successfully managed these relationships in the past.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Innovation: Let us know why you’re passionate about supporting SMEs and driving innovation. Share any relevant experiences or projects that showcase your understanding of economic development and innovation ecosystems.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the quickest way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Innovation
✨Know Your Innovation Ecosystem
Familiarise yourself with the local innovation landscape, especially in West Cumbria. Understand the key players, including Cumberland Council and other stakeholders, so you can speak knowledgeably about how you would engage with them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in a commercial or innovation context. Highlight your collaborative approach and how it has driven results.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to talk about your experience managing budgets and financial performance. Bring examples of how you've maximised returns in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the Centre Director position.
✨Passion for Supporting SMEs
Express your enthusiasm for helping small and medium enterprises thrive. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment to economic development and community building.
