Centre Manager

Oxford Innovation; Oxford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading innovation hub in Oxford is seeking a Centre Manager to lead the team at Grassroots. You will manage operations, drive sales and marketing efforts, and build relationships with partners to enhance the centre's profile. The ideal candidate has leadership experience in customer-focused environments and a passion for innovation. This role offers a competitive salary of £38,000 - £42,000 plus benefits and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the entrepreneurial community.

Benefits

Flexible benefits package

Wellbeing support

EV leasing

Cycle to work scheme

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a customer-focused or service-led environment.
• A commercial mindset with experience in sales, marketing, and budget management.
• Confidence in building relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• A flair for creating welcoming, professional environments.
• A passion for creating great experiences and building community.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team and ensure the centre thrives commercially and operationally.
• Champion the centre’s profile locally and nationally.
• Manage sales, marketing, and customer retention for maximum occupancy.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth and sustainable functioning.
• Inspire and manage a high-performing team, fostering collaboration.

Skills

Leadership experience

Sales and marketing skills

Relationship building

Customer service orientation

Job description

Overview

At Oxford Innovation Space, we create and manage inspiring workspaces where ambitious businesses can thrive. With over 35 years of experience and a growing network of innovation centres across the UK and Ireland, we support more than 850 SMEs across 35+ sectors.

Grassroots is a dynamic innovation hub in Oxford, purpose-built to support early-stage science and technology ventures. The centre is delivered in partnership with our client, Oxford Science Enterprise - an independent investment company that builds transformational businesses in collaboration with the University of Oxford - and our landlord, Keble College, one of Oxford’s historic colleges. Together, we foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem at the heart of the Oxford innovation landscape.

What You’ll Be Doing

As Centre Manager, you’ll be the driving force behind Grassroots - leading the team, delivering exceptional service, and ensuring the centre thrives commercially and operationally. You’ll:

• Champion the centre’s profile locally and nationally, representing Grassroots at events and building strong networks.
• Lead on sales, marketing, and customer retention to maximise occupancy and revenue.
• Build and nurture relationships with our partners - Oxford Science Enterprise, Keble College, and the wider innovation ecosystem.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring the centre runs smoothly, safely, and sustainably.
• Inspire and manage a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about innovation, people, and making things happen. You’ll bring:

• Proven leadership experience in a customer-focused or service-led environment.
• A commercial mindset with experience in sales, marketing, and budget management.
• Confidence in building relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• A flair for creating welcoming, professional environments - whether from coworking, hospitality, or similar sectors.
• A passion for creating great experiences and building community.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We offer more than just a job - we offer a place where you can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful. Here’s what you can expect:

• Salary: £38,000 - £42,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus discretionary bonus.
• Time off: 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays.
• Benefits: Flexible benefits package, wellbeing support, and perks like EV leasing and cycle to work scheme.
• Development: Full induction, buddy system, and ongoing learning opportunities.
• Culture: A supportive, inclusive team that values your voice and ideas.
• Purpose: A chance to make a real impact in the lives of entrepreneurs and growing businesses.

Ready to Apply?

If this sounds like your kind of role, we’d love to hear from you. Click ‘Apply’ to join us as our new Centre Manager.

Got questions? Reach out - we’re happy to chat.

We’re Committed to Inclusion

We’re building a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply - you might be just the person we’re looking for.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we’ve received sufficient applications, so apply early to avoid disappointment.