At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative accelerator programmes and drive impactful business growth.
- Company: Unit M, a pioneering innovation hub at a leading university.
- Benefits: 29 days leave, flexible working, generous pension, and wellness support.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of innovation and make a real difference in the ecosystem.
- Qualifications: Experience in accelerator programmes and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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 global 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 – which systematically breaks down barriers to the flow of ideas between the University and its partners. 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.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and evolution of programme content and delivery models, ensuring alignment with emerging sector trends and stakeholder priorities.
- Take accountability for programme delivery, including timelines, budgets and evaluation to maximise impact and outcomes.
- Lead the delivery and growth of accelerator activity, initially through the Deep Tech Innovation Programme (DTIP), with scope to expand into additional sector areas.
- Build strategic connections with customers, investors and partners to accelerate business growth and commercial opportunities.
- Provide tailored guidance to participants on business models, market strategy and growth planning.
- Develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships across regional and national networks to enhance programme reach and reputation.
- Lead investor and mentor engagement throughout the programme lifecycle to strengthen participant outcomes and investment readiness.
- Establish and lead a high‑performing team, providing effective line management, coaching and leadership to support delivery and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- Significant experience designing and delivering accelerator or enterprise programmes within innovation ecosystems.
- Deep understanding of start‑up development, research commercialisation and venture building processes.
- Experience leading programmes within complex organisations such as universities, public sector organisations or innovation networks.
- Advanced programme management capability, including experience managing budgets, funding compliance and multi‑stakeholder delivery.
- Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work across investors, corporates, academic teams and policymakers and represent programmes internally and externally.
- Experience supporting start‑ups through investment readiness, scaling challenges and market entry strategies.
Benefits
- 29 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and December closure days.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Flexible and hybrid working.
- Access to a wide range of staff benefits, including discounts, wellbeing support and development programmes.
Head of Accelerator Programmes in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
Unit M is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem that empowers its employees to make a meaningful impact. With a strong focus on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, employees are encouraged to thrive in their roles while contributing to groundbreaking initiatives. Located in the North of England, Unit M offers unique opportunities to engage with diverse stakeholders and drive significant change within the community.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Accelerator Programmes in Manchester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and engage with potential employers on social media. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Don’t just talk about your skills; demonstrate them! Create a portfolio or case studies that highlight your achievements in accelerator programmes. This will give you an edge when discussing your experience with potential employers.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Research the company and its programmes thoroughly before your interview. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around innovation ecosystems and stakeholder engagement. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply directly through our website for the best chance of landing that role. We love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission at Unit M!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Accelerator Programmes in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Accelerator Programmes role. Highlight your relevant experience in designing and delivering accelerator programmes, and don’t forget to mention any connections you have with innovation ecosystems.
Showcase Your Impact:We want to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your success in programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, and building strategic connections. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who can lead a high-performing team and engage with various stakeholders, so don’t be afraid to show us your communication style and passion for innovation.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Know Your Accelerator Programmes
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of accelerator programmes, especially those related to deep tech and innovation ecosystems. Familiarise yourself with current trends and challenges in the sector, as this will help you demonstrate your expertise and vision during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in building strategic connections with various stakeholders, including investors, partners, and participants. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated complex relationships and enhanced programme reach in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Programme Management Prowess
Be prepared to talk about your advanced programme management capabilities. Share specific instances where you’ve managed budgets, timelines, and multi-stakeholder delivery effectively. This will show that you can handle the responsibilities of the Head of Accelerator Programmes with confidence.
✨Lead with Vision and Team Spirit
Think about how you would establish and lead a high-performing team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style, coaching methods, and how you foster continuous improvement. Highlighting your ability to inspire and manage a team will resonate well with the interviewers.
