At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform groundbreaking research into commercial success and lead innovative projects.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham Enterprise, a hub for innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant innovation ecosystem with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact by commercialising cutting-edge research and technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in IP licensing and technology transfer, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Help turn world-class research into commercial success. Join an ambitious and collaborative environment. Play a pivotal role in the development of IP through to Licensing.
About us
University of Birmingham Enterprise (UoBE) is the University’s enterprise and commercialisation company, dedicated to turning world-class research and expertise into products, services and ventures that deliver real impact locally, regionally, and globally. With a mission to catalyse the adoption of innovations developed by, with or at the University, UoBE supports intellectual property protection, licensing, spinout and Operating Division creation, consultancy, and incubation. UoBE also manages Birmingham Research Park, a vibrant innovation ecosystem home to over 50 companies. Operating collaboratively, open to new ideas, and driven by impact, UoBE plays a pivotal role in enabling innovation pathways from discovery to market.
UoBE is seeking a commercially driven professional with experience in IP Licensing to join as a Senior Commercialisation Manager to lead the development of high-potential intellectual property, licensing opportunities and spinout ventures emerging from one of the UK's leading research-intensive universities.
What you'll be doing
Reporting to the Head of Intellectual Property and Commercialisation, you’ll manage a portfolio of IP-rich opportunities and help determine the most effective route to market, whether through licensing, spinout creation, venture development, or strategic partnerships. You’ll take opportunities from early assessment through to commercial execution, while also providing leadership, mentoring, and support to colleagues across the team.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the assessment and development of commercialisation opportunities.
- Structuring and negotiating licensing, option, and IP-related agreements.
- Supporting spinout formation, venture development, and investment readiness activities.
- Managing relationships with founders, academics, investors, and commercial partners.
- Providing leadership and guidance to commercialisation colleagues.
- Balancing commercial potential, risk, strategic value, and institutional objectives across a diverse portfolio.
What experience you’ll need to apply?
We’re looking for an experienced commercialisation professional with a strong track record in technology transfer (ideally from a TTO, University or start-up environment) with emphasis on licensing and innovation management. You will bring:
- Significant experience in IP commercialisation, technology transfer, licensing, or venture development.
- Proven experience in the successful commercialisation of licensing including developing, negotiating, or managing licences, royalty arrangements, diligence obligations, or post-deal relationships – ideally from a Life Sciences/Pharma domain.
- Commercial acumen with the ability to assess opportunities from technical, market, legal and financial perspectives.
- Strong people leadership skills with proven management experience.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
- Degree qualified in Science, Technology, Business, Legal or similar, with a higher degree or postgraduate qualification a bonus.
- Experience within a university, research-intensive environment or technology transfer office is highly desirable, as is a deal sheet of successful Licenses.
What you’ll get in return for your experience
UoBE plays a central role in translating University of Birmingham research into real-world impact. From licensing breakthrough technologies to creating successful spinout companies, you’ll have the opportunity to work on innovation that makes a difference locally, nationally, and globally. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation at the heart of innovation, helping shape the future of research commercialisation while developing your own leadership career. You’ll receive a competitive salary with comprehensive benefits including - up to 15% bonus, hybrid working (3 days a week in office), pension, and a total of 41 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays).
Senior Commercialisation Manager in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham Enterprise
At University of Birmingham Enterprise (UoBE), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our team to turn world-class research into impactful commercial ventures. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and generous holiday allowances, all while providing the opportunity to lead in the exciting field of intellectual property and technology transfer at one of the UK's leading research-intensive universities.
Contact Details:
University of Birmingham Enterprise Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercialisation Manager in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Tech Transfer Events
Tech transfer is all about networking, so make sure you're attending industry conferences and seminars related to technology commercialization. Events like the AUTM Annual Meeting or local innovation workshops are clutch for meeting key players and learning what's trending—plus, you might just bump into someone from University of Birmingham Enterprise!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Having a solid portfolio can really make you stand out. Highlight any projects where you successfully brought a technology to market or improved a process. Sharing case studies or insights on platforms like LinkedIn can catch the eye of recruiters at University of Birmingham Enterprise, showing them you’ve got the chops for the job.
✨Leverage University Connections
Many universities have strong tech transfer offices—connect with them! They often have ties to industry and can help you get your foot in the door. Plus, you might find openings or internship opportunities that lead to this full-time role at places like University of Birmingham Enterprise.
✨Engage with Online Communities
Join forums or online communities focused on tech transfer and commercialization. Platforms like ResearchGate or industry-specific Slack channels are great for connecting with professionals, discussing trends, and possibly learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Remember, your next opportunity could be just a message away!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercialisation Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Transfer Know-How:In the tech transfer and commercialization world, it's crucial to highlight your understanding of intellectual property, patents, and market analysis. Make sure your CV includes relevant projects or experiences where you successfully navigated these areas. Any certifications in commercialisation would also give you a serious edge!
Tailor Your Documents for the Role:Your cover letter should reflect not just your enthusiasm for the position at University of Birmingham Enterprise, but also your knowledge of current trends in technology-transfer. Discuss specific cases where you've contributed to commercialising innovations or enhancing research outcomes—this will show you’re ready to tackle challenges head-on!
Quantify Your Achievements:In this field, numbers count! Whether it's successful licensing deals, funding acquired for projects, or percentage increases in collaboration outcomes, include these metrics in your CV. They not only make your accomplishments more tangible but also demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Demonstrate Your Business Acumen:Understanding the business side is just as crucial as the tech side! When writing your application, weave in examples that illustrate your strategic thinking and your role in negotiations or partnerships. This balance of skills is what will set you apart for a full-time role at University of Birmingham Enterprise.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham Enterprise
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Knowledge
Brush up on key technologies and trends in technology transfer and commercialization. Be ready to showcase your understanding of licensing agreements and the innovation lifecycle, as well as any specific tools or software used in the field.
✨Show Your Business Acumen
This role isn't just about tech; it's also about understanding the market. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach bringing a technology to market, including strategies for assessing commercial viability and potential partnerships.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Think about how you'd approach real-world challenges in technology transfer, like negotiating a deal or handling stakeholder concerns—this can help us get a sense of your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past, particularly in scenarios that involved tech developers and business strategists coming together.
