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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovation projects and empower start-ups in a vibrant campus 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 high-impact programmes and building powerful partnerships.
- Qualifications: Experience with entrepreneurs or start-ups and strong networking skills.
- Other info: Flexible workspace and dynamic environment with excellent growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 groundbreaking 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.
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 Research
Contact Detail:
Rothamsted Research 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 entrepreneurs and innovators. Building relationships is key to landing that Innovation Manager role.
✨Showcase Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for innovation shine through. Share your experiences and ideas on how to drive growth and support start-ups—this will set you apart from the crowd!
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your expertise and connect with industry leaders. Share relevant content, engage in discussions, and don’t hesitate to reach out to people who inspire you. You never know where a conversation might lead!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by the hiring team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Innovation Manager role. Highlight your entrepreneurial experience and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Rothamsted Enterprises!
Showcase Your Network Skills: Since building relationships is key in this role, share examples of how you've successfully forged connections in the past. Whether it’s with start-ups or industry partners, we love to see your networking prowess shine through!
Demonstrate Project Management Experience: We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple projects, so don’t forget to mention your organisational skills. Give us a glimpse into how you’ve managed various initiatives simultaneously and what impact they had.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to drive innovation on our campus!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rothamsted Research
✨Know Your Innovation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in innovation, especially in agritech. Be ready to discuss how you've empowered entrepreneurs in the past and share specific examples of projects you've led that had a real impact.
✨Build Your Network Story
Since building relationships is key for this role, prepare anecdotes about how you've successfully forged partnerships in previous positions. Highlight your ability to connect with diverse stakeholders and how those connections have driven success.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
This role involves managing multiple projects, so come prepared to discuss your organisational strategies. Share tools or methods you use to keep everything on track and how you prioritise tasks when juggling various initiatives.
✨Demonstrate Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
Rothamsted Enterprises is looking for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset. Be ready to talk about your experiences with start-ups, what challenges you've faced, and how you’ve helped businesses scale effectively. Show them your passion for innovation!