Commercialisation Manager - Social Science, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy [...]

University of Leeds; Leeds; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A major research university in England seeks a proactive individual to support early-stage enterprise and commercialization in social sciences, arts, and humanities. This role involves identifying commercial opportunities, advising academics on intellectual property, and fostering a social enterprise culture. Ideal candidates will have experience in commercial development and strong project management skills. The position offers generous holidays and development opportunities.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus 16 Bank Holidays

Generous pension scheme

Health and Wellbeing discounts

Access to personal development courses

On-site childcare and travel schemes

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial development or innovation processes.
• Skills in creating initiatives like workshops or seminars.
• Knowledge in supporting social enterprise culture.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate commercial opportunities from research.
• Advise academics on IP and support funding strategies.
• Engage with social enterprise hubs and innovation clusters.

Skills

Evaluation skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Background in social science, arts, or humanities

Job description

This role will be based on the university campus. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you keen to work in a fast paced, dynamic and innovative environment? Do you want to play a role in the support for early‑stage enterprise and commercialisation in Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy (SHAPE)?

This post provides an exciting opportunity to play a role in the development of social sciences and humanities research by guiding ideas from concept through to market within the University of Leeds, one of the largest research‑intensive universities in the UK. The University of Leeds has one of the largest communities of SHAPE researchers in the UK, across a very wide range of disciplines and specialisms, with a flourishing culture of interdisciplinary activity and partnership working locally, regionally, nationally and globally.

SHAPE research has the potential to support a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, individuals, businesses, communities and public service delivery organisations. Spin‑outs and social enterprises are often created with goals of promoting societal and environmental wellbeing.

The role will be based across Research & Innovation Service (Commercialisation Team), Leeds Institute for Societal Futures (LISF) and Leeds Arts and Humanities Research Institute (LAHRI).

Working across these teams, you will identify and evaluate commercial opportunities arising from social sciences, arts and humanities research outputs. You will advise academics on IP based opportunities and support their commercial development and funding strategies. You will further engage relevant social science and humanities academic communities to foster a social enterprise culture, and liaise with external networks (e.g. social enterprise hubs, innovation clusters) to amplify reach and support.

You will report to Managers within the Commercialisation Team of RIS, LISF and LAHRI.

This is a rewarding role requiring a proactive and self‑motivated individual. You will have a background in social science, arts and humanities or related disciplines, and have experience of commercial development, social enterprise development, or innovation processes in either a commercial or institutional environment.

You will have strong evaluation, planning and project management skills with knowledge and experience of implementing the innovation process in a research‑intensive environment. You will be comfortable with creating and leading initiatives (including workshops, seminars and talks) to engage and support the academic community.

The ability to effectively engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders is essential to this role.

• 26 days holiday plus 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That's 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance.
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state‑of‑the‑art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on‑site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!