University of Manchester Innovation Factory: Investment and Licensing Manager

The Investment & Licensing Team is at the forefront of commercialising the University’s world-class technologies and associated intellectual property. We work in close partnership with academics, commercial experts, industry partners and investors to both launch new spinout companies and to license University technologies to established companies. Our mission is to deliver positive social, economic, and environmental impact. We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate and entrepreneurial individual to join our dynamic and supportive Team. If you thrive on building new ventures and closing licensing deals, we want to hear from you.

Role Summary

• Support the launch of spinout companies from The University of Manchester, working closely with academic founders to develop business plans, fundraising plans and investor-facing materials.
• Guide founders through investor readiness, due diligence, and team building, helping secure early-stage funding from venture capital, angel networks, grants, or initial revenues.
• Support licensing of university technologies to established industry partners.
• Develop and maintain a strong professional network with investors, corporate partners, and stakeholders, representing Innovation Factory at industry events and showcases.

Key Objectives and Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of commercial opportunities, prioritising tasks, tracking progress, and reporting outcomes.
• Develop and execute strategies to create impact (social, environmental and economic) from university technologies through the creation of new spinouts and licensing.
• Ensure consistency and transparency across all deals, implementing standardised workflows and maintaining rigorous compliance and governance standards.
• Present at internal and external events, engage both early-career and experienced researchers, and be a visible champion for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Skills, Experience & Qualities:

Essential

• A keen interest in innovation and in turning university research into new products and/or services.
• Collaborative team player, able to work effectively across multi-disciplinary teams and with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Good analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as sound commercial instincts.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience presenting opportunities in a professional and compelling manner to internal and external stakeholders.
• Some experience in commercial deal-making and creating value from intellectual property, through licensing and/or creation of new spinout companies.

Qualifications:

Essential

• Strong technical background (minimum BSc in a scientific, engineering, or related discipline).

Skills, Experience and Qualities:

Desirable

• Experience within a Technology Transfer Office or similar environment.
• Experience raising investment from angels or venture capitalists.
• Familiarity with intellectual property, patents, and licensing agreements.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and professional networking.

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 scale and quality of research taking place at The University of Manchester, it has the ambition to be one of the world’s leading Technology Transfer organisations.