Innovation Engagement Manager

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambridge Zero, part of the University of Cambridge, is seeking an Innovation Engagement Manager to drive climate innovation across research, entrepreneurship, industry and impact.

You will work closely with the Head of Innovation to deliver an ambitious portfolio of innovation and entrepreneurship activities, ensuring projects and partnerships are developed to a high standard and translated into real-world impact.

Qualifications

• Experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, knowledge exchange or programme management.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Cambridge Zero's innovation and entrepreneurship activities and portfolio.
• Ensure projects, programmes and partnerships are developed and delivered effectively, to a high standard.

Job description

Are you passionate about turning groundbreaking ideas into meaningful action? Do you thrive at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, research and partnership-building? If so, this is an exciting opportunity to join Cambridge Zero and play a pivotal role in driving climate innovation.

The Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly organised Innovation Engagement Manager to play a central role in delivering Cambridge Zero's innovation programme. This is an exciting opportunity to support the development and scale‑up of climate and nature innovations emerging from across the University, working at the interface of research, entrepreneurship, industry and impact.

As a key member of the Cambridge Zero Innovation team, the postholder will work closely with the Head of Innovation to deliver an ambitious portfolio of innovation and entrepreneurship activities. The successful candidate will ensure projects, programmes and partnerships are developed and delivered effectively, efficiently and to a high standard, helping maximise the real‑world impact of climate and sustainability innovation.

The successful candidate will be a proactive and collaborative individual with experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, knowledge exchange or programme management. You will have excellent organisational and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and build productive relationships across diverse communities.

You will be passionate about accelerating climate and nature innovation and motivated by the opportunity to help translate cutting‑edge research into solutions that address global sustainability challenges.

About Cambridge Zero

Cambridge Zero exists to maximise the University of Cambridge's contribution towards achieving a resilient and sustainable world. We do this by enabling, integrating and accelerating climate activities related to education, research, policy and innovation. We work in a co‑ordinating and supporting role across the full academic lifecycle; connecting, convening and engaging the full breadth of the greater University community (i.e. the University, Colleges and related institutions). Acting in close collaboration and partnership with a broad range of University functions, we help integrate, enhance and accelerate climate activities.

Eligibility and Application

The deadline for applications is midnight on 15th November 2026.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part‑time working or other flexible working arrangements.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under‑represented at this level in our department/institution/Faculty/School/University.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Interviews w/c 30th November 2026.

For informal enquiries regarding this position, please contact Nina Martin, Operations Manager ([e-mail]).