CBGx MCR Innovation Project Officer

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Manchester is seeking a Project Officer to coordinate activities for the Cambridge × Manchester Innovation Partnership. The role involves managing communications, supporting events, and providing operational support in a dynamic environment aimed at driving innovation for public good. Ideal candidates will possess excellent organisational and communication skills, and experience in managing complex projects. This position offers an opportunity to impact the partnership's ambitious goals.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.
• Experience in a university, research, or innovation environment.
• Attention to detail and high-quality support skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as first point of contact for project enquiries.
• Support meetings and workshops that bring together key leaders.
• Manage project communications and logistics.

Skills

Excellent organisational skills

Excellent communication skills

Experience in project coordination

IT and data systems proficiency

Proactive and collaborative approach

Passion for innovation

Job description

Overview

Join a pioneering collaboration driving innovation for the public good. The University of Manchester and the University of Cambridge have joined forces to create the Cambridge × Manchester Innovation Partnership (CBG×MCR) — the UK’s first cross-UK innovation partnership. Backed by £4.8 million from Research England, this ground-breaking initiative will connect two of the country’s most dynamic innovation cities to accelerate inclusive economic growth, attract investment, and amplify the impact of world-class research and enterprise. Led by Unit M (Manchester) and Innovate Cambridge, the partnership will forge powerful connections between universities, businesses, and civic partners to tackle some of the UK’s biggest challenges. Together, we’re creating a new model of place-to-place collaboration that drives real-world benefits and delivers innovation for everyone. We’re now looking for an exceptional Project Officer to join our team and help turn this ambitious vision into reality.

About The Cambridge × Manchester Innovation Partnership

The Cambridge × Manchester Innovation Partnership (CBG×MCR) is the UK’s first cross-UK innovation alliance, led by the University of Cambridge and The University of Manchester, through Innovate Cambridge and Unit M. Together, we’re creating a hyper-connected innovation corridor — strengthening networks, accelerating scale-up growth, driving investment into R&D, and attracting new foreign direct investment (FDI) to the UK. The partnership will amplify each city\’s strengths, building connectivity between the two ecosystems and unlocking greater collective economic impact.

The Role

As the CBG×MCR Project Officer, you’ll play a key role in coordinating and delivering activity across this fast-paced, high-profile programme. Working as part of Unit M’s dynamic team, you’ll provide exceptional administrative, operational, and communications support to ensure the project runs smoothly and achieves its goals.

What you will be doing

• Act as the first point of contact for project enquiries and partners across Manchester and Cambridge.
• Support meetings, events, and workshops that bring together leaders from academia, business, and government.
• Manage project communications, from website updates to social media and marketing materials.
• Coordinate logistics, procurement, reporting, and data management.
• Provide proactive, high-quality support to the Project Director and leadership team.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of innovation, collaboration, and impact, helping to shape a national exemplar of university-led innovation.

About You

You’ll bring:

• Excellent organisational and communication skills, with a talent for managing multiple priorities.
• Experience coordinating complex projects or events, ideally within a university, research, or innovation environment.
• Confidence using IT and data systems, and an eye for detail.
• A proactive, flexible, and collaborative approach — comfortable working in a fast-moving and ambitious setting.
• A passion for innovation, impact, and inclusive growth.

You’ll thrive in a team that values creativity, pace, and collaboration, and where your ideas and initiative will be encouraged.

About Unit M

Unit M is The University of Manchester’s new innovation capability — created to unlock the full impact of the University’s research, talent, and assets. We connect people, ideas, and industries to drive inclusive growth and position Manchester as a global innovation powerhouse.

Our values

Be Future Positive. Be Fierce. Be Fast. Make Things Happen. Joining Unit M means being part of a team that’s unmistakably Manchester — bold, authentic, and relentlessly ambitious.

As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Enquiries about the vacancy

Name: Michael Platt, Talent Partner

Email: [e-mail]

Please note, we anticipate that interviews will be held week commencing 17th November, though this date is subject to change.

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy ahead of the published closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.