Innovation Lead / Senior Lecturer

Buckinghamshire New University; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern UK university located in High Wycombe is seeking an Innovation Lead/Senior Lecturer for a 1-year secondment, focusing on leading the BNU Innovation Hub. The successful candidate will drive the integration of enterprise into the curriculum and enhance student experiences through partnerships and consultancy. This full-time role offers a salary of £56,535 and generous benefits including hybrid working, training support, and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Hybrid working

Training & development support

Contributory pension scheme

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Proven experience in project management within higher education or enterprise environments.
• Strong academic background with the ability to teach and lead curriculum development.
• Demonstrated success in building industry partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of the BNU Innovation Hub.
• Oversee the implementation of the BNU Innovation Hub's phases.
• Build and maintain partnerships with SMEs and civic bodies.

Skills

Project management

Effective communication

Stakeholder engagement

Teaching

Mentoring

Education

First degree in a relevant field

Doctoral level qualification

HE teaching qualification

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Innovation Lead/Senior Lecturer (1 year secondment)

Full Time (37hrs per week)

Secondment from 5 January 2026 (12 months)

Location: High Wycombe

Salary: £56,535 (H43)

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.

What We Offer

• Generous holiday entitlement (35/30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• Training & development support opportunities
• Contributory pension scheme
• Discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
• Range of staff discounts with major retailers

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For further information about this role please contact Dr Leah A Fox

[e-mail]

Job Description

Job Title: Innovation Lead/Senior Lecturer (1 year secondment)

College: College of Leadership and Innovation

Grade: H43

Location: High Wycombe

Responsible to: Associate Dean (Research/KE) or Designated person

Job Purpose: Lead the strategic development and operational delivery of the BNU Innovation Hub, embedding enterprise and innovation into the curriculum and driving impactful research and knowledge exchange activities. The postholder will deliver an outstanding student experience through live consultancy projects, entrepreneurial pathways, and applied learning, while fostering strong partnerships with industry and civic bodies to enhance graduate outcomes and regional economic growth. The role will champion inclusivity and collaboration, ensuring the Hub becomes a welcoming, high‑trust environment for students, staff and partners.

Strategic Leadership & Academic Integration

• Provide academic oversight and ensure enterprise and innovation activities are embedded across UG and PG programmes.
• Lead curriculum development for enterprise modules and live consultancy projects.
• Drive applied research opportunities aligned with KEF and REF priorities.

Project Management & Operational Delivery

• Oversee the implementation of the BNU Innovation Hub across its four phases: foundation, activation, expansion, and scale‑up.
• Manage timelines and resources to deliver against KPIs.
• Coordinate physical and digital infrastructure, including the Brunel Engine Shed hub space and online platforms.

Industry & Civic Engagement

• Build and maintain partnerships with SMEs, councils, chambers of commerce and regional networks.
• Develop and deliver CPD courses in leadership, AI, sustainability and crisis management.
• Represent BNU at regional forums and showcase events to strengthen visibility and reputation.

Student Experience & Talent Development

• Coach and mentor students involved in enterprise projects, consultancy and start‑up activities.
• Facilitate internships, placements and alumni engagement to enhance graduate outcomes.
• Create a welcoming, high‑trust environment for students to explore business ideas and develop entrepreneurial skills.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in project management within higher education or enterprise environments.
• Strong academic background with the ability to teach and lead curriculum development.
• Demonstrated success in building industry partnerships and delivering income‑generating activities (e.g., CPD, consultancy).
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and deliver measurable impact against KPIs.

Line Management Responsibilities

• Recruitment and selection, performance management, professional development, motivation, health & safety and wellbeing.

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications & Training

• First degree in a relevant field.
• Doctoral level qualification (or working towards) or equivalent professional experience in enterprise, innovation or leadership.
• Recognised HE teaching qualification and/or Fellow of the HEA or evidence of commitment to achieving within two years.

Knowledge & Experience

• Expert knowledge in enterprise, innovation or related discipline.
• Deliver quality learning and teaching to students/learners.
• Evidence of applied research and/or consultancy projects with measurable impact.
• Contribution to research active communities.
• Deliver excellent student/customer experience.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver excellent student experience and employability outcomes.
• Knowledge/experience of income generation or funded projects.
• Experience of research supervision, personal tutoring or personal development.

Skills

• Highly effective stakeholder engagement, sales and customer service skills.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Highly effective customer service skills.
• Ability to coach and mentor students and SMEs in enterprise contexts.

Special Requirements

• Willingness and ability to work in off‑site locations and across all University campuses, as required.
• Willingness and ability to contribute to University Open Days (which may fall on Saturdays).

Delivering Excellent Service

Making every contact count by providing the best quality service to all our customers (internal customers, students and all our stakeholders). Building genuine and open long‑term relationships to improve customer services.

Working Together

Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising the value of the different contributions people bring to this process.

Engaging with the wider context

Enhancing your contribution to the University through an understanding of organisational values, its students, customers and stakeholders.

BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in senior roles.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to People Team if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you.

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.

All applications are to be made in full and online.

Closing Date: Wednesday 3 December 2025

Interview Date: Wednesday 10 December 2025

We ensure that our interview/shortlisting chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.