Innovation Ecosystem Manager - CBG x MCR

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Manchester is seeking an Ecosystem Manager to foster collaboration between the innovation ecosystems of Cambridge and Manchester. The role involves managing multi-partner projects and building vibrant communities of practice. Ideal candidates will have experience in innovation and strong communication skills. This position offers an opportunity to shape cross-city partnerships and drive inclusive growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in innovation, research, or ecosystem development.
• Proven track record of managing complex, multi-partner projects.
• Deep familiarity with innovation networks.

Responsibilities

• Lead on community engagement across the partnership.
• Build and coordinate vibrant communities of practice.
• Design and deliver events and programmes.
• Facilitate access to expertise within both ecosystems.
• Capture impact and feedback on the partnership.

Skills

Community engagement

Project management

Strong organisational skills

Digital engagement

Collaboration

Job description

About the Cambridge × Manchester Innovation Partnership

The Cambridge × Manchester Innovation Partnership (CBG×MCR) is the UK’s first cross‑UK innovation alliance, led by the University of Cambridge and the University of Manchester, through Innovate Cambridge and Unit M.

Together, we’re creating a hyper‑connected innovation corridor — strengthening networks, accelerating scale‑up growth, driving investment into R&D, and attracting new foreign direct investment (FDI) to the UK.

The partnership will amplify each city's strengths, building connectivity between the two ecosystems and unlocking greater collective economic impact.

The Role

We’re looking for a dynamic, connected and collaborative Ecosystem Manager to join Unit M and take a lead role in making the Cambridge × Manchester partnership thrive.

You’ll be bringing together businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers and local stakeholders across both cities. From building communities of practice and running joint events to supporting collaborative innovation projects, you’ll help shape a new model of place‑to‑place partnership.

This is a role for someone who thrives on relationships, loves bringing people together, and sees opportunity where others see distance.

What You’ll Do

• Lead on community engagement across the partnership — connecting the Manchester and Cambridge innovation ecosystems.
• Build and coordinate vibrant communities of practice, networks and forums around shared challenges and opportunities.
• Design and deliver events, toolkits and programmes that strengthen innovation and entrepreneurial skills.
• Facilitate access to the expertise, resources and capabilities within both ecosystems.
• Communicate successes, opportunities and insights through digital engagement and storytelling.
• Capture impact and feedback to help shape the evolution of the partnership.
• Collaborate closely with your Cambridge counterpart to ensure this unique cross‑city partnership continues to grow and deliver results.

About You

You’re a natural connector, skilled communicator and confident facilitator. You’ll bring experience in innovation, research or ecosystem development, with the credibility to work across business, academia and local government.

You’ll also have

• A proven track record of managing complex, multi‑partner projects.
• Deep familiarity with innovation networks — ideally in Manchester, Cambridge, or both.
• Strong organisational and digital engagement skills.
• A collaborative, inclusive mindset and a passion for making innovation accessible to all.

About Unit M

Unit M is The University of Manchester’s new innovation capability — created to unlock the full impact of the University’s research, talent, and assets. We connect people, ideas, and industries to drive inclusive growth and position Manchester as a global innovation powerhouse.

Our values

Be Future Positive. Be Fierce. Be Fast. Make Things Happen.

Joining Unit M

Joining Unit M means being part of a team that’s unmistakably Manchester — bold, authentic, and relentlessly ambitious.

Equal opportunities employer

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.

Enrollment & Contact

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Michael Platt, Talent Partner
Email: [e-mail]

Please note, we anticipate that interviews will be held week commencing 17th November, although this date is subject to change.

Application deadline

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.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.