Commercial Development Manager (CHS259)

University of Lincoln; Lincoln; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent United Kingdom educational institution is seeking a Commercial Impact Development Manager to lead commercialisation efforts in the agri-tech sector. The successful candidate will drive innovative projects, support partnerships, and enhance economic growth through sustainable practices. This full-time position offers a salary of £44,128 per annum and is based in Lincoln. Informal inquiries can be directed to Dr Paula Eves at [e-mail].

Qualifications

• Experience in driving the commercialisation of innovations.
• Strong academic and industry partnership skills.
• Ability to guide teams from technology development to market readiness.

Responsibilities

• Drive the commercialisation of agri-tech innovations.
• Foster partnerships with industry and academic institutions.
• Support economic growth through innovation.

Skills

Commercialisation of innovations

Partnership development

Stakeholder collaboration

Agri-tech knowledge

Education

Degree in a relevant field

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Impact Development Manager to join the Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology (LIAT) at our Riseholme Campus. This is a unique opportunity to help drive sustainable growth within the region’s Agri-tech cluster.

About LIAT

LIAT, based at the University’s Riseholme Campus, is home to a working farm with specialist research facilities. Our multi-disciplinary team brings together sector-leading expertise in a diverse range of areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering, crop science, environmental sustainability, food manufacturing, product development, and supply chains. Our goals include supporting and enhancing the future of food and agriculture productivity, efficiency, and sustainability through research, education, and technology.

The Role

Working in partnership with Ceres Agri-Tech at Cambridge Enterprise, the University of Cambridge and the University of East Anglia (UEA), LIAT has secured £5 million from Research England to lead the Agri-Tech Commercialisation Ecosystem (ACE) initiative. This ambitious programme aims to establish a national, independent agri-tech technology transfer office (TTO), leveraging the proven success of the Ceres Agri-Tech engine, based at Cambridge Enterprise, to generate a sustainable pipeline of commercial opportunities. The project will build a robust portfolio of exploitable assets and create an ‘evergreen’ translation company at the heart of the globally recognised Agri-Tech cluster in the East of England.

As Commercial Development Manager, you will be instrumental in driving the commercialisation of agri-tech innovations from the project partners, UK universities, and research organisations. Your role will focus on accelerating the impact of these innovations by fostering strong academic, civic and industry partnerships, contributing to the development of a globally significant and sustainable technology cluster. Through your work, you will support economic growth, enhance the competitiveness of agri-food and technology businesses, and promote inclusive, environmentally responsible innovation.

You will support and guide academic teams involved in the ACE projects and related programmes (LINCAM and AgTech Global), from early-stage technology development through to market readiness. This includes building commercial networks, identifying and shaping projects, and coordinating innovation training for researchers. You will collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including Cambridge Enterprise, UEA, Barclays Agri-Tech Eagle Lab, Agri-TechE, UK HEIs, civic partners and industry partners such as farmers and agri-tech businesses, ensuring a cohesive and impactful approach to innovation and commercialisation.

How to Inquire

For informal discussions and enquiries please contact Dr Paula Eves, Senior Project Manager, at [e-mail].

Closing Date: 07 Nov 2025

Department: Administrative and Professional Services

Salary: £44,128 per annum

Please note, this post is fixed-term until 31 May 2028 and full-time at 37 hours per week.