At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects and build partnerships across Greater Manchester.
- Company: Join Trafford & Stockport College Group, a community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, generous pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities and shape the future of innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in partnership building and a passion for innovation and business growth.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Hours: 36.25 hours per week. Permanent. Full Time. 12 Months Fixed Term (with potential to extend to 3 years)
Salary: Fixed Point £50,000 per annum
Pension contribution: 15%
Location: Stockport and Altrincham campus with the requirement to travel to other campuses
Help Shape the Future of Innovation, Skills and Economic Growth Across Greater Manchester
TSCG is seeking two ambitious, commercially minded and highly collaborative Innovation Co-ordinators to lead place-based innovation activity across Trafford and Stockport as part of the Greater Manchester Colleges Innovation Connector Network. Working closely with employers, local authorities, universities, innovation agencies and community partners, you will act as a key relationship-builder and trusted connector within your borough. This is a unique opportunity to help shape a more inclusive, innovative and future-ready economy across Greater Manchester.
About you
- We are looking for a proactive and relationship-focused individual who is passionate about innovation, business growth and making a difference within local communities.
- You will have experience of working with employers, building strong partnerships and identifying opportunities to support growth, productivity and skills development.
- Confident in engaging a wide range of stakeholders, you will be a natural connector, able to influence, facilitate conversations and translate ideas into practical action.
- You will be organised, self-motivated and comfortable working independently whilst contributing to a wider collaborative network across Greater Manchester.
About TSCG – Making a difference, together
At Trafford & Stockport College Group (TSCG), you belong to a team that’s committed to shaping brilliant futures – for students and colleagues alike. We believe in unlocking the potential that exists in everyone and when you work with us, your individual skills and experiences are valued. You’ll be part of a supportive and friendly community, where everyone brings their own unique perspective and strengths, and where the work you do is appreciated and celebrated. We’re deeply rooted in our local communities, with strong connections to businesses, industry, and universities. Together, we’re all working toward a shared mission: to elevate skills, create opportunities, shape futures, and transform lives. TSCG is not just a place to work – it’s a place to belong, to thrive, and to make a difference.
Exceptional Benefits Package
- 40 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Generous company pension contribution 15%
- Onsite Costa Coffee & subsidies for staff canteen
- Employee Assistance Programme that extends the supports to your family members
- Tailored Professional Development plan
- Free onsite Parking
The role requires a statutory Enhanced DBS Check via the Disclosure and Barring Service, and any post in a regulated activity will also be subject to an additional barred list check. The Group will meet the costs associated with these checks.
Please note that new guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 requires an online search as part of our due diligence on successful candidates.
TSCG is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. As part of our commitment to being a Disability Confident Employer, all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the job, as set out in the job description and person specification, will be guaranteed an interview.
Regional Innovation Connector & Partnerships Lead in Altrincham employer: Trafford College
Trafford & Stockport College Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. As a Careers Advisor at our Stockport Campus, you will enjoy the benefits of a term-time only schedule, allowing for a healthy work-life balance while making a meaningful impact on learners' futures. With opportunities for professional development and a commitment to inclusivity, TSCG is dedicated to fostering a rewarding environment for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Innovation Connector & Partnerships Lead in Altrincham
✨Leverage Innovation Hubs
Tap into local innovation hubs and research centres. These places often host events and workshops where you can meet like-minded people and industry leaders. Plus, they might have job openings that aren't widely advertised, so keep your ears open!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Turn your past innovation projects into compelling stories. Create a portfolio showcasing your creativity and problem-solving skills. This can give hiring managers a real flavour of what you can bring to the table at companies like Trafford College.
✨Connect at Industry Conferences
Make it a point to attend industry conferences and seminars focused on R&D and innovation management. These events are fantastic for networking and often have job boards or career fairs where you can connect directly with firms looking for talent.
✨Use Your University’s Resources
If you're fresh out of university, don't forget to tap into your institution's career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies seeking new talent in R&D, especially for full-time roles. It's a good shortcut to landing a gig at places like Trafford College.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Innovation Connector & Partnerships Lead in Altrincham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Creative Thinking:In innovation and R&D management, it's all about thinking outside the box. Make sure your CV highlights any projects or experiences that showcase your creative problem-solving skills. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've developed and implemented innovative ideas in previous roles.
Tailor Your Experience to R&D:When you're crafting your CV, focus on your experience in research and development. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, including methodologies used and results achieved. This will show us at Trafford College that you understand the R&D process and can contribute meaningfully to our projects.
Let Your Passion Shine in the Cover Letter:For a full-time role like this, your cover letter should reflect your genuine passion for innovation and development. Share your excitement about the opportunity to work at Trafford College and touch on how your goals align with our mission. This helps us see your motivation for wanting to join our team!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in R&D! Whenever possible, quantify your achievements in your CV. Whether it’s a percentage improvement in project outcomes, the budget size you’ve managed, or the number of successful products you've launched, these figures will help paint a clearer picture of your impact and capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trafford College
✨Show Off Your Innovative Thinking
In an Innovation R&D Management role at Trafford College, they're going to want to see how you approach problem-solving. Be ready to discuss previous projects where you introduced a new idea or process. Highlight your ability to think outside the box and provide examples where your innovations drove significant results.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Technologies
Make sure you're clued up on the latest tools and technologies related to innovation management, such as project management software and data analysis platforms. Being able to discuss specific tools you’ve used or have experience with will show Trafford College that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this is a full-time gig, emphasising your teamwork skills will be essential. In innovation, collaboration often sparks the best ideas, so be ready to talk about how you've worked effectively within cross-functional teams in your past roles. Have concrete examples at the ready!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions in your interview that reflect real challenges you might face in the role. £At Trafford College, they might want to see how you handle tight deadlines or manage conflicting ideas within a team. Prepare some responses that demonstrate your critical thinking and decisiveness in high-pressure situations.
