Centre Manager

Oxford Innovation Ltd; Colchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Innovation Ltd is looking for an experienced Centre Manager to oversee its Innovation Centre at the University of Essex's Knowledge Gateway. This pivotal role focuses on driving commercial success through effective marketing, sales strategy, community engagement, and operational management, aimed at fostering a vibrant environment for start-ups and SMEs.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Flexible benefits package including pension and health cover

Friendly, flexible work environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operational management and leadership.
• Strong skills in networking and revenue generation.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational excellence and commercial success of the Innovation Centre.
• Develop and manage financial performance and budgets.
• Cultivate partnerships and oversee customer engagement activities.

Skills

Operational Management

Financial Management

Sales and Marketing

Networking

Team Leadership

Education

Experience in a similar innovation/business centre

Office environment experience

Job description

1 month ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by Oxford Innovation. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

We’re excited to offer an opportunity for an experienced Centre Manager to lead our Innovation Centre on the University of Essex’s Knowledge Gateway. The centre provides flexible offices, coworking spaces, and meeting rooms tailored for modern businesses and entrepreneurs.

This key role focuses on enhancing the centre’s commercial success through marketing, sales, community engagement, and operational excellence. Operated by Oxford Innovation Space, the centre is part of a UK-wide network supporting start-ups, high-growth SMEs, and public sector partners with workspace and business support services.

Background:

The Centre Manager will report to the Commercial Manager (South) and will be supported by an Assistant Centre Manager, Customer Experience Assistant and an Innovation Director. The Centre Manager should expect to work directly and closely with the Commercial Manager South and other members of the senior management team.

Major objectives of the role:

• Profile and Reputation: Act as a figurehead for the Innovation Centre locally, regionally and nationally, creating success, selling and marketing the product offering whilst enhancing its reputation for excellence
• Relationship and Account Management: Cultivate the working partnership between Oxford Innovation and University of Essex (our client and building owner), along with other partners to identify and develop areas of collaboration and joint initiatives
• Operational Excellence: Deliver a world class service to the Innovation Centre community in facilities, support and collaborative connections and the training and development of centre staff
• Commercial Excellence: Overall management control and accountability for the financial and commercial performance of the centre, and to deliver all aspects of sales, marketing, and operational activities for the centre to attract new customers and ensuring the retention of existing occupiers.
  
  

Main duties and responsibilities:

Financial

• Overall accountability for all areas of financial management including accurate monthly billing, revenue collection (including debt management) and financial reporting, demonstrating a good understanding of P & L reports and managing costs.
• Compile financial targets across all revenue lines with close management of expenses against budget
• Drive income and control cost lines in the business within budgetary guidelines, ensuring delivery against budget expectations and centre contribution to OI Space.
• Compile and present accurate annual budgets and relevant forecasting with recommendations on price increases, proposed local strategies, to include any CAPEX (capital expenditure) requirements and recommendations on OPEX (operational expenditure) cost savings.
• Research, recommend and implement potential areas where additional revenue can be generated.
• Present lettings and additional services revenue and renewal plans as required
• Prepare and present detailed commercial performance reports in line with company and contractual requirements.
  
  

Team Development

• Team management, to include Assistant Centre Manager, Reception staff and temporary cover
• Manage recruitment and coaching of the Centre Management team in the required standards of performance and service levels to ensure that the centre achieves the minimum operational standards set by the Company
• Motivate the centre team in all areas of self-development via the company’s training opportunities, regular 1:1’s and appraisals, ensuring they are up to date with all company processes and procedures.
  
  

Sales and Marketing

• Promote available space and generate revenue through all centre offerings
• Maximise exposure and income by hosting industry events and targeting new markets
• Work with the Innovation Director to attract and retain customers, promote support services, and support events
• Network with key stakeholders and identify potential clients
• Collaborate with the Marketing Team on collateral and campaigns
• Recommend and implement local marketing initiatives
• Identify new revenue opportunities and promote Oxford Innovation Space services
• Build a vibrant entrepreneurial community and stay engaged with client needs
• Foster strong links with local public/private organisations and liaise with sponsors as needed
  
  

Operational

• Maintain high standards for building presentation, cleanliness, H&S, and security through SOPs and contractor management
• Monitor Café operator performance against SLA through regular meetings
• Foster a culture of quality service via feedback, tenant surveys, and staff coaching
• Uphold the centre’s reputation for outstanding customer care
• Ensure competent staff are always available to handle emergencies
• Attend training and take ownership of personal development
  
  

Experience:

• Operational management of a similar innovation/business centre
• Office environment experience preferred
• Strong networking and revenue generation skills
• Proven leadership in service-focused teams
• Demonstrated negotiation expertise
  
  

Personal Competencies:

• Strong ambassador for the centre and motivational team leader
• Detail-oriented with excellent organisational and admin skills
• Professional, tactful communicator
• Proactive, self-motivated, and team-focused
• Client-oriented with a strong service mindset
• Able to multitask, prioritise, and perform under pressure
• Confident in leading, motivating, and delegating to a team
  
  

What’s in it for you?

• 25 days’ holiday + Bank Holidays
• Flexible benefits package:
• Pension, life assurance, and holiday adjustment options
• Private medical, dental, and health screening
• Cycle to work scheme & charitable giving
• Friendly, flexible, and informal work environment
  
  

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we would advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Consumer Services

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