Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business partnerships and drive innovation at a top university.
- Company: University of York, a leader in research and knowledge exchange.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by bridging research and industry for societal benefit.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in research, commercialisation, and team leadership.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with strong support for diverse candidates.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you a visionary leader ready to bridge the gap between world-class research and real-world impact? The University of York is seeking an Associate Director: Business and Innovation to join our Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (RIKE) Directorate. This is a pivotal senior leadership role designed to drive our strategic ambitions for growth, partnership, and commercial success.
As a member of the Directorate’s senior management team, you will lead the Business and Innovation section with a clear mandate: to build productive business partnerships and maximise inward investment and commercial income. You will act as a key advisor to University Executive Board members, providing expert sector insights to position York as a national leader in engaged and productive outcomes.
Your Impact
- Strategic Leadership: Deliver the business development, commercialisation, and knowledge exchange elements of the University Strategy.
- Portfolio Growth: Develop the University’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio and lead engagement with commercial partners regionally and nationally.
- Influence: Represent the University on the boards of spin‑out companies and engage with external stakeholders to influence national policy.
- Operational Excellence: Oversee institutional funding (including HEIF), external reporting (HEBCIS and KEF), and ensure robust legal and financial compliance.
- Team Empowerment: Manage and motivate a team of professional staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high‑quality service.
Who You Are
We are looking for a professional specialist with high‑level expertise and a “can‑do,” pragmatic attitude.
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
- A Degree or commensurate equivalent experience
- Significant experience at a senior level within research or knowledge exchange
- Proven track record in industrial collaboration, commercialisation, or economic development
- Expertise in negotiating agreements and protecting/exploiting intellectual property
- Deep understanding of the UK funding environment and current Governmental HE priorities
- Ability to lead, motivate, and manage teams through complex change
Inclusive York
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. Female candidates and candidates who identify as Black, Asian, or from a Minority Ethnic background are strongly encouraged to apply, as they are currently under‑represented in senior leadership roles at the University.
Closing Date: 07/04/2026
Interviews: 27/04/2026 or 05/05/2026
Contact: Informal enquiries are encouraged. Please contact Paul Ellison (paul.ellison@york.ac.uk), HR Recruitment Adviser.
Additional Information: The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can all be ourselves. We offer family‑friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview. Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.
Salary: ÂŁ70,000 to ÂŁ95,000 per annum
Associate Director: Business and Innovation employer: University of York
Contact Detail:
University of York Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director: Business and Innovation
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about building relationships that can lead to opportunities.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Don’t just wait for job openings; position yourself as a thought leader! Share your insights on platforms like LinkedIn or even write articles related to business and innovation. This will help you get noticed by the right people and show them what you bring to the table.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
If you can, set up informational interviews with people in roles you aspire to. It’s a great way to learn more about the field and make a lasting impression. Plus, you never know when a job might open up!
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, 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 are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director: Business and Innovation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in business development and innovation. We want to see how your skills align with our vision at the University of York!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate teams. Share specific examples of how you've empowered your team in previous roles – we love a good success story!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to emphasise your experience in industrial collaboration and commercialisation. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make those experiences stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of York
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the University of York’s strategic ambitions and how your role as Associate Director: Business and Innovation fits into that. Brush up on recent developments in research, innovation, and knowledge exchange to show you’re not just a candidate, but a potential leader.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your expertise in industrial collaboration and commercialisation. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully negotiated agreements or managed teams through complex changes, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Demonstrate your understanding of the UK funding environment and current governmental higher education priorities. Discuss how you can leverage this knowledge to influence national policy and drive the University’s goals forward.
✨Be a Team Player
Since team empowerment is crucial for this role, come prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share how you’ve motivated teams in the past and fostered a culture of continuous improvement. This will show that you’re not just focused on individual success, but also on uplifting those around you.