Chief Executive Officer

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in the UK is seeking a Chief Executive Officer for Unit M, its new innovation capability. The role involves shaping strategic partnerships and resources to accelerate regional and national growth. The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of innovation ecosystems and a track record of leading high-performing teams. This exciting position offers the opportunity to drive substantial impact on the UK’s innovation landscape.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of innovation ecosystems and place-based innovation.
• Experience in developing and delivering transformational strategies.
• Track record of leading scaling, multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and establish structures, partnerships, and culture for Unit M.
• Shape and deliver Unit M's annual business plan.
• Act as an ambassador for Unit M's innovation agenda.

Skills

Knowledge of innovation ecosystems

Established networks in the innovation economy

Transformational innovation strategies

Leading high-performing teams

Collaborative leadership

Engagement with government stakeholders

Influential figurehead for innovation

Job description

Lead a landmark opportunity to shape how a world-class university delivers innovation and impact.

Unit M is the University of Manchester’s bold new innovation capability created to reimagine how a world-class university can power regional and national growth, accelerate inclusive prosperity, and enable staff, students, and partners to turn ideas into impact, faster.

We are now seeking an exceptional leader to become Unit M’s Chief Executive Officer as we move from our stand‐up to delivery and scale‑up phase. This is one of the most exciting innovation leadership roles in the UK uniting place‑based innovation, ecosystem building, strategic delivery, and civic purpose on a global stage.

About Unit M

Launched in Autumn 2024, Unit M exists to unlock the University’s full potential as one of the North of England’s largest innovation assets by making the University’s world‑class research, innovation capabilities and talent more accessible to all.

Its remit is to accelerate the development of a globally competitive, inclusive and impactful innovation ecosystem from ideation and research translation, start‑up and scale‑up support, place‑making, talent and skills, community building, and more while systematically breaking down barriers to the flow of ideas between the University and its partners. Central to this remit is a clear commercial imperative: Unit M is expected to attract, generate and mobilise significant external funding from industry, investors, philanthropy and public sources to sustain and scale innovation activity and create new, sustainable funding streams.

We operate with the urgency of a start‑up, the credibility of a global university, and the values that are unmistakably Manchester: be fast, be fierce, be future positive and make it happen.

The Opportunity

As CEO of Unit M, you will:

• Lead the next phase of Unit M’s growth establishing the structures, partnerships, resources and culture needed to deliver impact at pace.
• Shape and deliver Unit M’s annual business plan, ensuring excellence in execution and a relentless focus on outcomes.
• Play a pivotal role in the University’s 2035 strategy, sitting at the heart of a senior leadership community redefining how the University drives societal benefit.
• Act as a high‑profile ambassador for Unit M and the University’s innovation agenda with industry, government, staff and students, alumni and partners, and the wider innovation community locally, nationally and globally.
• Lead and inspire the core Unit M team and take strategic leadership responsibility for a wider set of delivery capabilities and programmes, including the Turing Innovation Catalyst, the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst, the AI Skunkworks, and the Cambridge x Manchester Partnership team.
• Champion Unit M’s values, modelling agility, ambition, inclusivity and collaboration in everything you do.

This role will shape not only Unit M’s future, but the future economic and social trajectory of our region and the UK’s innovation landscape.

About You

You will bring:

• Strong knowledge of innovation ecosystems and how place‑based innovation can drive growth.
• Established credibility and networks across the innovation economy in the UK and/or internationally.
• Experience of developing and delivering transformational innovation strategies.
• A strong track record of leading scaling, multidisciplinary, high‑performing teams.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence, convene and align diverse stakeholders.
• Experience engaging with government and policy stakeholders at regional and/or national level.
• The ability to act as a compelling figurehead for innovation authentic, ambitious and impact‑driven.

You think boldly, act decisively, collaborate instinctively and deliver with pace. You understand the power of innovation to shape society, and you are motivated by the chance to create change that benefits everyone.

Why Manchester?

Manchester is the UK’s original modern city a place built on radical ideas, world firsts and global influence. Today it is one of Europe’s fastest‑growing centres of innovation, with world‑class universities, vibrant industry clusters, and a deep commitment to inclusive economic growth. The University of Manchester sits at the centre of this mission.

From our bicentenary heritage to our future‑focused 2035 strategy, the University of Manchester is uniquely positioned to drive the next chapter of innovation‑driven prosperity. As the CEO of Unit M, you will help write that chapter.

How to Apply

For full details and to apply, please visit the Unit M website.

Closing date: Midnight, Monday 2nd February 2026
Panel Interviews: Week commencing 2nd March 2026

For informal enquiries, please contact:
Carrie Hunt – Head of Talent Attraction

[e-mail]

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.

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.

C1EO