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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of an innovative incubator programme for early-stage founders.
- Company: Join Edinburgh Innovations, a progressive and collaborative tech-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 40 days leave, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting aspiring entrepreneurs in building data-driven start-ups.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing entrepreneurial programmes and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity and continuous improvement in a dynamic workplace.
The predicted salary is between 48896 - 59300 £ per year.
Overview
Venture Builder Incubator Programme Manager
EI Grade 8
(£48,896 – £59,300)
The Venture Builder Incubator Programme (VBI) Manager will provide specialist leadership in the design, content and delivery of the University of Edinburgh’s flagship Venture Builder Incubator (VBI) programme, ensuring quality, tailored education and practical support for annual cohorts of up to 36 early-stage founders with a research background, to create and develop robust data driven/ deep tech start-ups. These founders are from Universities across Scotland and the Programme partners with Techscaler and Cancer Research Horizon.
This post is full-time (35 hours per week). We welcome applications from candidates seeking part-time hours or flexible working patterns and secondments. We also support hybrid working on a non-contractual basis, offering a blend of home and on-site working to help you balance work and life effectively.
Responsibilities
- Demonstrable experience of managing and delivering successful innovation/entrepreneurial support programmes
- Experience of delivering entrepreneurship activities in a Higher Education setting (ideally for student/PhD programmes) and supporting research created founders
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of startup business growth and digital development issues & solutions
- Experience of being a Founder (successful or otherwise) or involved in a start-up/scale up company
- Excellent communication and presentation skills – thought leadership experience
Note: A copy of the full job description can be requested from the employer (the original link has been omitted here).
About Us
At Edinburgh Innovations (EI), our culture is built on three core values: Collaborative, Progressive and Innovative. We believe the best results come from working together, sharing ideas, and supporting one another. We’re always looking forward, embracing change, challenging assumptions, and pushing boundaries to grow. Innovation is at the heart of what we do, encouraging creativity and fresh thinking at every level of the business.
If you thrive in a team-driven environment that values bold ideas and continuous improvement, you’ll fit right in.
Championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. EI celebrates diversity in all its forms and actively seeks to create a team that reflects the communities around us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities because different perspectives make us stronger.
Benefits
- A competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience
- An exciting, positive, and creative workplace that’s as rewarding as it is challenging
- A generous 40 days of combined annual leave and public holiday entitlement
- A comprehensive benefits package, including a defined contribution pension scheme (currently 3.5/4.5% employee and 9/14.5% employer contributions), family-friendly policies, flexible working options, and more
- Ongoing support to develop your skills, grow your career, and recognise your achievements
About You
At EI, we look for people who live our core behaviours in everything they do
- You work well with others, build strong relationships, and believe that teamwork drives better outcomes.
- You\’re curious, creative, and not afraid to challenge the norm to find smarter solutions.
- You take responsibility for your work, follow through on commitments, and are driven to deliver results.
- You seek feedback, grow from experiences, and are always looking to improve.
- You genuinely care about the impact of your work on colleagues, customers, and the wider community.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
Application Information
Please submit your CV along with a covering letter that tells us why you’re interested in the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit.
Right to Work
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this role. You will be required to provide documentation as part of the recruitment process to confirm your eligibility to work in the UK.
Key dates
The closing date for applications is 13 October 2025.
Closing time for applications is typically 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK, the closing time on adverts automatically adjusts to your browser’s local time zone.
Interviews will be held on 23rd and 28th October.
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Venture Builder Incubator Programme Manager employer: The University of Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
The University of Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Venture Builder Incubator Programme Manager
✨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. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the company, make sure to express your enthusiasm for their work and the role. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects thoroughly. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in innovation and entrepreneurship. Practice common interview questions and be ready to showcase your thought leadership.
✨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 with our platform. So, hit that apply button and let’s get started!
We think you need these skills to ace Venture Builder Incubator Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role of Venture Builder Incubator Programme Manager. Highlight your experience in managing innovation programmes and how it aligns with our mission at Edinburgh Innovations.
Showcase Your Experience: We want to see your journey! Share specific examples of your past work in entrepreneurship, especially in a Higher Education setting. This will help us understand how you can support our early-stage founders.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We value creativity and fresh thinking, so share your unique perspective on startup growth and digital development issues.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Venture Builder Incubator Programme. Understand its goals, structure, and the specific needs of early-stage founders. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Entrepreneurial Experience
Be ready to discuss your own experiences in managing or being part of start-ups. Whether successful or not, share what you learned and how it shapes your approach to supporting others. This will highlight your practical understanding of the challenges faced by founders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to entrepreneurship support. Think about examples from your past where you’ve successfully navigated challenges or facilitated growth. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Innovation
Since the role values teamwork and creativity, be prepared to discuss how you foster collaboration in your previous roles. Share examples of how you’ve encouraged innovative thinking within teams, as this aligns perfectly with the culture at Edinburgh Innovations.
