At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of RAU's innovation ecosystem and build global partnerships.
- Company: Royal Agricultural University, a leader in land, food, and sustainability innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape the future of agriculture.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and contribute to a thriving innovation community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in agriculture and sustainability while leading innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Higher degree and proven experience in leading innovation hubs or commercialisation units.
The predicted salary is between 76050 - 76050 £ per year.
Location: RAU Campuses, Cirencester
Salary: £76,050 per annum pro rata
Vacancy Type: 9 months fixed term, 24.5 hours per week (0.7 FTE)
Purpose
The Director of Commercial Innovation will lead the transformation of the Royal Agricultural University’s innovation ecosystem based at the Cirencester campus. This role is responsible for designing, building, and scaling a high-value innovation cluster that bridges the gap between research validation and commercial adoption across land, food, agriculture, sustainability, and rural enterprise. The Director will shape the Alliston Centre as Building 1 of the RAU’s Innovation Village by establishing global partnerships, commercial programmes, specialist knowledge hubs, and revenue-generating services that integrate RAU’s academic assets with industry demand.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Lead the repositioning of the Alliston Centre into a specialist, RAU-aligned innovation ecosystem.
- Develop and execute a unified commercial strategy that integrates memberships, CPD, consultancy, knowledge hubs, and strategic partnerships.
- Establish the Centre as the commercial crucible for the future Innovation Village, testing new institutes, business models, and impact metrics.
- Revenue Growth & Commercialisation
- Oversee the consolidation of Farm491, Growth Hub, and other legacy brands into a single membership model.
- Ecosystem Building & Industry Partnerships
- Recruit and manage Anchor Partners across agriculture, sustainability, food systems, and rural innovation.
- Build global institutional links and secure strategic partnerships with corporates, investors, and international research bodies.
- Position the Centre as a high-growth magnet within the Oxford–Bristol–Golden Valley innovation arc.
- Operational Excellence & Data-Driven Management
- Implement a unified CRM and data pipeline to track lead generation, conversion, retention, and ecosystem lifetime value (LTV).
- Academic Integration & RAU Alignment
- Ensure all commercial activity supports RAU’s core values: Academic & Student Value | Industry Value | Innovation Value.
Person Specification
Qualifications:
- Higher degree and/or professional qualification
- Evidence of continued professional development
Knowledge, Experience and Skills:
- Proven track record of leading innovation hubs or accelerators, research commercialisation units, or sector-specific clusters.
- Strong knowledge of agriculture, land management, sustainability and rural enterprise sectors.
- Evidence of delivering significant revenue growth through services, partnerships, memberships, or commercial programmes.
- Experience working with investors, venture funds, or innovation finance (not necessarily as a fund manager).
- Demonstrated success in securing corporate partnerships, anchor clients, or strategic alliances.
- Demonstrable understanding of university–industry partnerships, KTPs, industrial bids, and translational research.
- Ability to design and execute a coherent commercial strategy across multiple revenue streams.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, including public speaking and thought leadership.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data, margins, and performance metrics.
- Strong stakeholder management across academia, industry, government, and investors.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Royal Agricultural University, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application. The RAU is an equal opportunities employer and we particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic candidates as they are underrepresented within the RAU at this level.
Closing date: 24 June 2026
Interview date: 10 July 2026
Director of Commercial Innovation in Cirencester employer: Royal Agricultural University
The Royal Agricultural University is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the transformation of its innovation ecosystem at the picturesque Cirencester campus. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and a focus on sustainability and rural enterprise, the RAU fosters an environment where innovative ideas can thrive, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
Contact Details:
Royal Agricultural University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Commercial Innovation in Cirencester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a personal brand by sharing your insights on platforms like LinkedIn. Write articles or post updates about trends in agriculture, sustainability, or innovation. This will position you as a thought leader and attract attention from employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews like it’s game day! Research the company, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Practice common interview questions and have your own questions ready to show your interest and enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, hit that apply button and let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Commercial Innovation in Cirencester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading innovation hubs and commercialisation. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Director of Commercial Innovation!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to hear about your successes! Share specific examples of revenue growth or successful partnerships you've secured in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas, as this will help us understand your vision for the Alliston Centre and its future.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at RAU.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Agricultural University
✨Know Your Innovation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in agriculture, sustainability, and innovation ecosystems. Being able to discuss specific examples of successful innovation hubs or partnerships will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but also understand practical applications.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to share your experiences leading teams or projects, especially in commercialisation or ecosystem building. Think of concrete examples where you’ve driven revenue growth or established strategic partnerships, as this role is all about leadership and vision.
✨Understand RAU's Values
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Agricultural University’s core values and how they align with your own professional philosophy. Be ready to articulate how your vision for the Alliston Centre can integrate academic and industry needs while driving innovation.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Since the role involves operational excellence and data management, be prepared to discuss how you’ve used data to inform decisions in past roles. Bring examples of how you’ve tracked performance metrics or improved lead generation through data analysis.
