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- Tasks: Lead industry partnerships and manage research projects in cutting-edge hollow core fibre technology.
- Company: Join the University of Southampton's innovative Hollow Core Fibre Group.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, hybrid options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Equal opportunities employer encouraging diverse applications.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in an emerging technology while collaborating with a supportive team.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in R&D project management and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Hollow Core Fibre Group at the University of Southampton is seeking a Principal Enterprise Fellow to lead key industry partnerships. Our team is at the forefront of hollow core fibre development, and this role offers the unique chance to realise significant opportunities at a major inflection point for this emerging technology. You will join a collaborative, supportive group and have the opportunity to thrive in a university environment developing future technology. You will work and grow in a team whose culture centres on people, collegiality, quality, internationalisation, and sustainability. Working hours are flexible, with the option for hybrid working.
Role overview
You will manage business operations for a portfolio of industry-funded research projects, owning the commercial relationship with sponsors, negotiating next-phase proposals, and developing robust processes for project contracting, compliance, and execution. You will forge new industry partnerships in an expanding array of contacts across priority application areas. Working closely with the technical team, you will lead the creation and buildout of enterprise fibre sales capability, coordinating efforts with University professional services teams. You will own the operational lifecycle of new projects, orchestrating contracting and compliance, enabling timely set up, and running project governance with the Principal Investigator.
What you will achieve in your first 12 months
- Negotiate and secure next-phase proposals in existing projects and open new partnerships in priority areas
- Develop an intake workflow to triage new opportunities: gather scope/deliverables, map to capability, identify and manage IP/publication/export sensitivities
- Standardise a fibre-sales contracting process, coordinating inputs across professional services: Finance, Contracts, Legal, Technology Transfer, Export Control
- Create unified trackers, decision logs, and reporting tools to align project teams
Essential qualifications, skills, & experience
- PhD or equivalent experience
- Demonstrated success scoping, costing, proposing, winning, and executing large, complex R&D projects
- Strong project management fundamentals with demonstrated cycle‑time & delivery improvements
- Excellent communications and multi-stakeholder coordination
- Contracts and compliance literacy (NDAs, SoWs, publication, IP, export)
- Microsoft Office fluency
Desirable skills & experience
- R&D experience in photonics or fibre-optics
- US government contracting and compliance
- Experience in business development or technical sales; strong client relationship management
- Microsoft 365 tools (SharePoint, Teams, Power Automate)
- AI tools (especially Copilot) for proposal and project management workflows
Contract & reporting
Funded to 28/2/28 with potential to extend. Reports to PI; works closely with research team and University professional services. No current line management; as the portfolio grows, you may supervise or matrix‑lead project administrators.
Working pattern & location
Hybrid working with ~1–2 days on site (peaks may vary with contracting cycles) and occasional travel. Flexible working and job‑share requests welcome (0.6–1.0 FTE).
Inclusion
We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
How to apply
Apply by uploading your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role. Shortlisted candidates will complete a brief written exercise and panel interview with presentation. For general inquiries regarding this position, please contact Professor Austin Taranta at a.a.taranta@soton.ac.uk.
Principal Enterprise Fellow - Associate Director, Industry Partnerships in Eastleigh employer: University of Southampton
Contact Detail:
University of Southampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Enterprise Fellow - Associate Director, Industry Partnerships in Eastleigh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and alumni from your university. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects, especially in hollow core fibre development. Show them you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in project management and business development can help forge new partnerships. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Enterprise Fellow - Associate Director, Industry Partnerships in Eastleigh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight the skills and experiences that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Principal Enterprise Fellow, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects and achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear connection between your experience and the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills: Since project management is key for this role, make sure to highlight your experience in managing complex R&D projects. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to deliver results, so include specific examples where possible!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to upload your CV and cover letter directly there.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the hollow core fibre technology and its applications. Research the University of Southampton's recent projects and partnerships to show your genuine interest and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of large, complex R&D projects you've managed. Be ready to discuss how you scoped, costed, and executed these projects, highlighting any improvements in cycle-time and delivery that you achieved.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since you'll be negotiating next-phase proposals, brush up on your negotiation skills. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated contracts or agreements, and be prepared to share these experiences.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
With excellent communication being essential for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've coordinated with multiple stakeholders in the past, and consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.