At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage enterprise facilities, supporting entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
- Company: The University of Lincoln, fostering innovation and enterprise.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a vibrant work environment.
- Other info: Internal applications only; great opportunity for current students and staff.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting startups and building strong business networks.
- Qualifications: Experience in facility management, business support, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 38784 £ per year.
The University of Lincoln is seeking a commercially focused Venture Development Manager to oversee the University’s enterprise facilities and business incubation activity, including Sparkhouse and Think Tank, while providing management oversight of Student Enterprise. The role will have responsibility for operational delivery, commercial performance and service development.
About The Role
You will lead the day-to-day operation of Sparkhouse and Think Tank, ensuring the centres are professionally managed, commercially sustainable and provide a high-quality environment for businesses to develop and grow. You will be responsible for facilities and tenant management, occupancy and income generation, budgets, compliance and service standards, alongside overseeing business incubation and Student Enterprise activity. Working within the Enterprise & Innovation team, you will lead and develop staff, build strong relationships with businesses and partners, and use commercial and operational insight to improve performance and services.
About You
We are looking for someone with experience of operationally managing facilities or business premises, combined with experience of business support, incubation and working with start-ups or growing SMEs. You will have strong commercial acumen, with experience of managing budgets, generating income and delivering against targets. You will also be an effective leader and relationship builder, with strong organisational, influencing and customer service skills.
What We Offer
- Lead and develop enterprise facilities and incubation activity
- Support entrepreneurs, students, graduates and growing businesses
- Build strong networks across the business and innovation community
- Access a wide range of staff development opportunities and employee benefits
In support of our commitment to developing colleagues by providing opportunities for internal movement and promotion, applications for this opportunity will only be accepted from people who are currently employed by the University of Lincoln, our current students, and any currently engaged agency workers who have been with us for more than 12 weeks. We actively encourage applications from all colleagues across the University with the relevant skills and experience.
Closing Date: 28 Aug 2026
Department: Internal Only Vacancies
Salary: £38,784 per annum
Please note, this post is permanent and full-time at 37 hours per week.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Venture Development Manager (EL1280) in Lincoln
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Venture Development Manager (EL1280) at University of Lincoln!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like University of Lincoln or be willing to refer you for that Venture Development Manager (EL1280) position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from University of Lincoln who’s on the lookout for their next Venture Development Manager (EL1280) star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Venture Development Manager (EL1280) role at University of Lincoln!
We think you need these skills to ace Venture Development Manager (EL1280) in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at University of Lincoln. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Lincoln
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at University of Lincoln. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
