Stakeholder and Partnerships Lead

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Manchester's Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester seeks a Stakeholder and Partnerships Lead for a 12-month maternity cover. This senior role blends strategic relationship management with delivery oversight across TIC, Unit M and the wider university.

You will build connections with businesses, funders, universities and public/third sector organisations to turn ambitions into partnerships that boost AI innovation and inclusive growth.

Qualifications

• Experience securing and growing strategic partnerships.
• Strong strategic thinking and organisational skills.
• Experience managing budgets, resources and program performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead partner engagement strategy and relationship management across TIC.
• Line manage Events and Communications Officer and coordinate with Finance Officer.
• Monitor budgets, performance and funding commitments; forecast expenditure and manage risks.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Partnership development

Budget management

People leadership

Job description

Build partnerships that drive innovation. Help shape Greater Manchester's AI future.

The University of Manchester is seeking a Stakeholder and Partnerships Lead to join Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester (TIC) for a 12-month maternity cover appointment.

This is a varied leadership opportunity combining strategic relationship management with responsibility for performance, impact and coordinated delivery across TIC. You will build connections with businesses, funders, universities and public and third sector organisations, helping turn shared ambitions into partnerships that support AI innovation and inclusive economic growth.

The role

As a member of TIC's Senior Leadership Team, you will develop our partner engagement strategy, strengthen existing relationships and attract new long-term partners. Working across TIC, Unit M and the wider University, you will ensure engagement is coordinated, responsive and delivers clear value.

Your contribution will extend across TIC's activities. You will support the Director with planning and organisational priorities, connect workstreams and help colleagues translate strategic objectives into effective delivery. You will bring sound judgement and a practical approach to emerging opportunities and challenges.

You will also lead the monitoring of programme budgets, performance and funding commitments, working with colleagues to forecast expenditure, manage risks and demonstrate impact. Clear reporting and effective processes will be central to ensuring we deliver on our commitments to funders and partners.

Alongside this, you will line manage the Events and Communications Officer and provide matrix management to the Finance Officer, supporting their development and effective collaboration across the team.

About you

You will bring experience of securing, managing and growing strategic partnerships, with the credibility to build trusted relationships and represent an organisation confidently.

A strategic thinker with strong organisational skills, you will be comfortable leading work that spans teams and priorities. You will have experience of managing budgets, resources and programme performance, alongside a track record of leading and developing people.

You will understand academic and business environments and what motivates partners to collaborate. You will also bring an understanding of AI and its potential, with enthusiasm to deepen your knowledge. Experience in deep tech, innovation communities or securing external funding would be beneficial.

Above all, you will be a collaborative, values-led leader who combines clear communication with sound judgement and cares about how results are achieved.

Why join us?

TIC is an ambitious non-profit organisation hosted by The University of Manchester, working to strengthen Greater Manchester's AI innovation community. Its activities span founder development, startup and scale-up support, collaborative research and development, and international connections.

As part of Unit M, the University's gateway to innovation, TIC brings together expertise, research and resources to help businesses grow and deliver economic and societal benefit. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution across the organisation while building relationships at the intersection of technology, enterprise and research.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

For technical support please call 0161 850 2004 or visit https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.