Innovation Discovery Manager (Software) (University of Manchester Innovation Factory)

Salary: 47,700

Location: Office based-hybrid (3 days minimum in the office)

Employment type: Permanent, Full time

Division/Team: Innovation Discovery

Hours Per Week: 35 hours

Closing date: 25 May 2026

The Innovation Factory’s ‘Innovation Discovery Team’ is responsible for proactively engaging with inventors/innovators (academics, staff members and students) to identify, evaluate and describe opportunities that have the potential to generate significant beneficial economic, social, and environmental impact where there is Intellectual Property owned by the University. A key element of the Innovation Discovery Team’s activity is outreach into the University’s three faculties to maximise engagement with the Innovation Factory and create enthusiasm for translating high‑quality innovations into licensable IP and new spin‑out businesses. It also organizes and leads events, explains the importance of IP commercialisation, runs seminars explaining the IP commercialisation process, and participates at other academic events to highlight the benefits to the university of commercialisation activities.

Once the Innovation Discovery Team has identified a potential opportunity, the members of the team will carry out an initial assessment and evaluation of the opportunity and decide whether or not to propose progression within the Innovation Factory’s process. The team presents a case for approval at Stage Gate 1 and communicates the results of the analysis and decision to the inventors. If an opportunity is accepted, the team continues to work closely with other members of the Innovation Factory, particularly the Commercial Development Team, to further assess and progress viable projects towards commercialisation.

Role Summary

To proactively engage with inventors/innovators to identify, evaluate and describe opportunities that have the potential to generate significant beneficial economic, social and environmental impact where there is Intellectual Property owned by the University, facilitating the progress and successful transition of projects towards commercialisation.

Key Accountabilities

• Proactively identify and assess new digital/software commercialisation opportunities across the University.
• Build a comprehensive network/database of contacts across the University and relevant Research Institutes.
• Build a comprehensive knowledge of research programmes with a strong digital component.
• Build a comprehensive knowledge of other professional services, such as business engagement teams, working within these areas to facilitate commercialisation.
• Educate and explain the advantages of commercialisation to academics.
• Ascertain the commitment of the inventors to create impact from the invention.
• Explain to inventors the IP commercialisation process and the responsibilities of the Innovation Factory and the inventor.
• Ensure inventors are kept up to date with plans and progress and the rationale for decisions is explained.
• Record and assess new opportunities.
• Be the first point of contact for the inventor and triage the opportunity appropriately.
• Update the Innovation Factory’s IP Management tools and databases accurately and timely with all new inventions/innovations and associated information according to company procedure.
• Assess new opportunities for entry into the Innovation Factory pipeline and take forward ensuring all appropriate steps are taken before making a recommendation for Stage Gate 1.
• Contribute to assessment and development of business cases for projects post‑Stage Gate 1.
• Prepare plans for Stage Gate 2 in close collaboration with the Commercial Development and Investment & Licensing Teams in accordance with our procedures.
• Working with the Commercial Development team, scope, and implement appropriate software development and digital delivery platforms.
• Provide additional information to help the wider Innovation Factory understand the invention and its ability to create future impact.
• Record any other contractual/commercial arrangements/commitments associated with the invention.
• Describe what information/data relating to the invention is disclosed and what is in the public domain as per post‑Stage Gate 1 procedures.
• Contribute to the overall objectives of the Innovation Factory.
• Understand and keep up to date with Innovation Factory objectives and performance targets and understand how your work contributes to these.

Skills, Experience & Qualities (Essential)

• Demonstrable experience in software/App development/coding/AI.
• Curious about new scientific developments and market‑specific trends.
• Considers and assesses all facts and thinks broadly about the commercial impact before making decisions.
• Able to build strong relationships with inventors and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to communicate complex issues clearly.
• Respects and works according to the Innovation Factory’s company values: Values & Supports Others, Acts with Integrity, Works as One Team, Bring Clarity and Focus, Strives for the Highest Standard.

Qualifications (Essential)

• Degree in Computer Science or a Science‑related subject and higher degree or equivalent experience with a strong software component.

Skills Experience and Qualities (Desirable)

• Understanding of a variety of software languages, App development and delivery platforms.
• Experience of working within computer sciences or other scientific fields with a strong software/IT component.
• Experience of working in an innovative, commercial environment and the application of novel software in this environment.
• Experience in the identification, development and management of intellectual property relating to software.
• A business or project management qualification is helpful but not essential to the role.

What You Will Get In Return

• Market‑leading pension scheme.
• 32 days annual leave entitlement, including bank holidays and end‑of‑year office closure, rising with length of service.
• Private health care and dental care.
• Great working environment within the University of Manchester campus, with excellent transport links.

The Innovation Factory aims to have a truly global reach and, with the quality of research at the University of Manchester, it aspires to be one of the world’s leading Technology Transfer organisations.

Please apply on our website.