Innovation Manager

Innovation Manager

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Rothamsted Enterprises Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovation projects, support start-ups, and build partnerships in a vibrant community.
  • Company: Join Rothamsted Enterprises, a leader in agri-food research and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by driving innovation and supporting entrepreneurs.
  • Qualifications: Experience with start-ups and strong networking skills are essential.
  • Other info: Flexible workspace and dynamic culture foster collaboration and growth.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

Are you passionate about accelerating innovation? Do you have experience empowering entrepreneurs? Rothamsted Enterprises is seeking an Innovation Manager to lead and grow innovation activity across our vibrant campus community. This is a unique opportunity to drive high-impact programmes, support pioneering start-ups, and build powerful partnerships.

About the Role

As Innovation Manager, you’ll be at the centre of a dynamic ecosystem—bringing together researchers, industry partners, entrepreneurs, and funding bodies. You'll be turning ground breaking ideas into real-world impact. You will lead innovation-driven projects across the campus, foster collaboration between departments and tenants, and build relationships with key stakeholders. Your work will ensure the smooth delivery of growth programmes, strong commercial outcomes, and measurable impact.

What You’ll Do

  • Drive the development of innovation, translational, and commercialisation initiatives across the campus.
  • Build and cultivate a community of entrepreneurs, start-ups, and innovation-led businesses.
  • Identify and secure innovation funding from public and private sources.
  • Develop strong relationships with R&D-driven companies and prospective partners.
  • Lead multiple projects simultaneously, engaging with both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Provide tailored backing to early-stage and pre-incorporation businesses, helping them scale effectively.
  • Secure at least one major corporate partnership for the campus.
  • Produce a strategic plan outlining future innovation support opportunities for REL.

We’re Looking For Someone Who…

  • Has entrepreneurial experience or has worked closely with start-ups.
  • Quickly builds networks and forges strong, collaborative relationships.
  • Understands what support entrepreneurs need at each stage of their journey.
  • Is highly organised, capable of managing multiple projects at once and has a genuine interest in emerging technologies, especially within agritech.

Key Success Measures

  • Development of new translational or commercial activities supporting business growth.
  • Attraction of new innovation-led, R&D-driven organisations to the campus.
  • Secured innovation funding from diverse sources.
  • Delivery of tailored support to businesses on campus.
  • Establishment of major corporate partnerships.

About The Company

Rothamsted Enterprises was set up in 2015 to ensure the Rothamsted campus thrives as a world-leading agri-food research and innovation ecosystem for businesses, investors and researchers, and we support this mission by combining physical infrastructure, business support and access to science and investment networks.

We offer:

  • Flexible office and lab workspace enables start-ups and established agritech companies to locate directly alongside researchers, supporting collaboration and business growth.
  • Conference centre for hosting events in house for the agritech community and for the wider local business market for up to 300 delegates.
  • Reception facilities and tenant services creating a professional, supportive working environment that allows businesses to focus on innovation and scaling.
  • On site restaurant open to tenants and the public, and shared campus spaces help engage community, encourage informal collaboration, and make the campus an attractive place to work and visit in Harpenden.

Our benefits package includes 25 days annual leave, a pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme and an attractive campus offering cultural and recreational activities.

Innovation Manager employer: Rothamsted Enterprises Ltd

Rothamsted Enterprises is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. With flexible office and lab spaces, a supportive community, and access to extensive networks, employees have the opportunity to drive impactful projects while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package, including 25 days of annual leave and a pension scheme. Located in Harpenden, the campus not only promotes professional growth but also encourages cultural and recreational activities, making it an attractive place to work and thrive.
Rothamsted Enterprises Ltd

Contact Detail:

Rothamsted Enterprises Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Innovation Manager

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and start connecting with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and engage with potential employers on social media. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

✨Show Your Passion

When you get the chance to chat with someone from Rothamsted or any other company, let your enthusiasm for innovation shine through! Share your ideas and experiences related to supporting entrepreneurs and driving innovation—it’ll make you memorable.

✨Follow Up

After meeting someone or having an interview, don’t forget to follow up with a thank-you email. It shows your appreciation and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role!

✨Apply Through Our Website

Make sure to apply directly through our website for the best chance of landing that Innovation Manager role. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly—it shows you’re serious about joining our vibrant community!

We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Manager

Innovation Management
Entrepreneurial Experience
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Relationship Building
Funding Acquisition
Commercialisation Initiatives
Collaboration Skills
Strategic Planning
Knowledge of Agritech
Networking Skills
Organisational Skills
Support for Start-ups
Understanding of R&D Processes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Innovation: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for innovation shine through! Share specific examples of how you've empowered entrepreneurs or driven innovative projects in the past. We want to see that spark!

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with start-ups and collaboration. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for. It’ll make a big difference!

Highlight Your Project Management Skills: As an Innovation Manager, you'll be juggling multiple projects. In your application, showcase your organisational skills and any relevant experience managing projects. We need to know you can handle the hustle!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Rothamsted Enterprises Ltd

✨Know Your Innovation Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in innovation and agritech. Be ready to discuss how you've empowered entrepreneurs in the past and how you can bring that experience to Rothamsted Enterprises. Show them you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable!

✨Network Like a Pro

Since building relationships is key for this role, think about your existing network. Prepare examples of how you've successfully forged partnerships before. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with stakeholders and create a vibrant community.

✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills

Be prepared to talk about how you manage multiple projects simultaneously. Use specific examples to illustrate your organisational skills and how you ensure smooth delivery of programmes. They want to see that you can juggle tasks without dropping the ball!

✨Tailor Your Approach

Understand the unique needs of early-stage businesses and be ready to discuss how you would provide tailored support. Think about what entrepreneurs need at different stages and how you can help them scale effectively. This shows you’re not just a one-size-fits-all manager!

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