At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovation at a world-class university and drive impactful change.
- Company: Join the University of Manchester's pioneering Unit M team.
- Benefits: Be part of a transformative mission with a focus on inclusive growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to influence regional and national growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of innovation and make a real difference in society.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in innovation ecosystems and leading high-performing teams.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Lead a landmark opportunity to shape how a world‑class university delivers innovation and impact. Unit M is the University of Manchester’s bold new innovation capability—created to reimagine how a world‑class university can power regional and national growth, accelerate inclusive prosperity, and enable staff, students, and partners to turn ideas into impact, faster. We are now seeking an exceptional leader to become Unit M’s Chief Executive Officer as we move from our start‑up to delivery and scale‑up phase. This is one of the most exciting innovation leadership roles in the UK—uniting place‑based innovation, ecosystem building, strategic delivery, and civic purpose on a global stage.
About Unit M: Launched in Autumn 2024, Unit M exists to unlock the University’s full potential as one of the North of England’s largest innovation assets by making the University’s world‑class research, innovation capabilities and talent more accessible to all. Its remit is to accelerate the development of a globally competitive, inclusive and impactful innovation ecosystem—from ideation and research translation, start‑up and scale‑up support, place‑making, talent and skills, community building, and more—while systematically breaking down barriers to the flow of ideas between the University and its partners. Central to this remit is a clear commercial imperative: Unit M is expected to attract, generate and mobilise significant external funding—from industry, investors, philanthropy and public sources—to sustain and scale innovation activity and create new, sustainable funding streams. We operate with the urgency of a start‑up, the credibility of a global university, and the values that are unmistakably Manchester: be fast, be fierce, be future‑positive and make it happen.
The Opportunity: As CEO of Unit M, you will:
- Lead the next phase of Unit M’s growth—establishing the structures, partnerships, resources and culture needed to deliver impact at pace.
- Shape and deliver Unit M’s annual business plan, ensuring excellence in execution and a relentless focus on outcomes.
- Play a pivotal role in the University’s 2035 strategy, sitting at the heart of a senior leadership community redefining how the University drives societal benefit.
- Act as a high‑profile ambassador for Unit M and the University’s innovation agenda with industry, government, staff and students, alumni and partners, and the wider innovation community—locally, nationally and globally.
- Lead and inspire the core Unit M team and take strategic leadership responsibility for a wider set of delivery capabilities and programmes, including the Turing Innovation Catalyst, the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst, the AI Skunkworks, and the Cambridge x Manchester Partnership team.
- Champion Unit M’s values, modelling agility, ambition, inclusivity and collaboration in everything you do.
This role will shape not just Unit M’s future, but the future economic and social trajectory of our region and the UK’s innovation landscape.
About You: You will bring:
- Strong knowledge of innovation ecosystems and how place‑based innovation can drive growth.
- Established credibility and networks across the innovation economy—both in the UK and/or internationally.
- Experience of developing and delivering transformational innovation strategies.
- A strong track record of leading scaling, multidisciplinary, high‑performing teams.
- A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence, convene and align diverse stakeholders.
- Experience engaging with government and policy stakeholders at regional and/or national level.
- The ability to act as a compelling figurehead for innovation—authentic, ambitious and impact‑driven.
You think boldly, act decisively, collaborate instinctively and deliver with pace. You understand the power of innovation to shape society, and you are motivated by the chance to create change that benefits everyone.
Why Manchester: Manchester is the UK’s original modern city—built on radical ideas, world firsts and global influence. Today it is one of Europe’s fastest‑growing centres of innovation, with world‑class universities, vibrant industry clusters, and a deep commitment to inclusive economic growth. The University of Manchester sits at the centre of this mission. From our bicentenary heritage to our future‑focused 2035 strategy, the University of Manchester is uniquely positioned to drive the next chapter of innovation‑driven prosperity. As the CEO of Unit M, you will help write that chapter.
How To Apply: For full details and to apply, please visit the Unit M website. Closing date: Midnight, Monday 2nd February 2026. Panel Interviews: Week commencing 2nd March 2026. Contact for informal enquiries: Carrie Hunt – Head of Talent Attraction unitmceo@manchester.ac.uk
As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy ahead of the published closing date.
Chief Executive Officer - Unit M employer: The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to comprehensive benefits including leading pension schemes and health services, all while contributing to the strategic direction of a prestigious institution in a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and academic excellence.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer - Unit M
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the innovation ecosystem. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to industry leaders on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for innovation! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or partners, make sure to share your vision for how you can drive growth and impact. Be bold and let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission. Remember, they want to see how you can contribute to their goals!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Unit M and making a real difference in the innovation landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer - Unit M
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Tailor your application to resonate with the values and mission of Unit M. Show us that you get what we're about!
Be Authentic:We want to hear your unique voice! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for innovation and how you envision making an impact at Unit M.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your experience in leading innovation strategies and building ecosystems. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so connect your past achievements to what we’re doing at Unit M.
Follow the Application Process:Apply through our website to ensure your application gets to the right place. Double-check that you’ve included all required documents and information before hitting send. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Know Your Innovation Ecosystem
Make sure you have a solid understanding of innovation ecosystems and how they drive growth. Research the latest trends in place-based innovation and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with Unit M's mission to accelerate inclusive prosperity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to articulate your collaborative leadership style and provide examples of how you've influenced diverse stakeholders in the past. Highlight your ability to lead high-performing teams and how you can inspire others to achieve ambitious goals.
✨Be a Compelling Ambassador
Think about how you can position yourself as a figurehead for innovation. Be ready to share your vision for Unit M and how you plan to engage with industry, government, and the wider community to drive impact and societal benefit.
✨Align with Unit M's Values
Familiarise yourself with Unit M's core values: agility, ambition, inclusivity, and collaboration. Prepare to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how you would promote them within the team and the broader innovation landscape.
