Director of Innovation Ecosystem & Regional Growth

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Hybrid working

Flexible Hours Scheme

Annual Leave Purchase Scheme

Discounts via Reward Gateway

Training on the job

Job summary

South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority in Sheffield seeks a strategic Head of Innovation Ecosystem to drive regional growth by shaping programmes and partnerships that connect businesses, universities and investors. You will lead cross-sector collaboration and secure support for innovation initiatives, influencing regional priorities and investment decisions.

Based at our Sheffield head office with hybrid working, this role demands senior stakeholder engagement, strong leadership of a team,

Qualifications

• Significant experience of leading and delivering innovation, business growth, economic development or related programmes.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective partnerships across businesses, academia, government and funding bodies.
• Strong programme and project leadership skills, managing multiple priorities and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills with the credibility to engage senior stakeholders and represent South Yorkshire region.
• Experience of securing, managing or overseeing funding, budgets and governance arrangements.
• Strategic mindset with practical problem-solving, collaboration and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Build and strengthen relationships across business, academia, government and the wider innovation community to create a connected and collaborative ecosystem.
• Lead high-profile innovation programmes that deliver tangible benefits for businesses and communities across South Yorkshire.
• Identify and secure new funding opportunities that support innovation, business growth and economic development.
• Act as an ambassador for South Yorkshire, raising the profile of the region and creating opportunities for investment, partnership and collaboration.
• Provide strategic advice, insight and evidence to support decision-making and future innovation policy development.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

Job description

South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority in Sheffield seeks a strategic Head of Innovation Ecosystem to drive regional growth by shaping programmes and partnerships that connect businesses, universities and investors. You will lead cross-sector collaboration and secure support for innovation initiatives, influencing regional priorities and investment decisions.

Based at our Sheffield head office with hybrid working, this role demands senior stakeholder engagement, strong leadership of a team,