Qualifications/education
- A higher degree and/or appropriate professional qualification(s) in a relevant subject plus extensive relevant managerial experience and in-depth experience in a similar role OR A proven track record of relevant extensive work experience in a similar role, demonstrating an authoritative understanding of the field, management expertise and wide exposure to complex practices and precedents.
Experience
- Building and consolidating reputation, brand and quality in Higher Education, business, and relevant sectors;
- Leading Research support, business development and commercialisation in Higher Education;
- Building, maintaining and leveraging an extensive network of senior contacts in relevant commercial sectors;
- Significant team leadership of senior and expert personnel;
- Working within a regulatory / procedural framework;
- Manging and controlling substantial budgets/resources/funding and an understanding of financial management procedures;
- Assessing the resourcing requirements of commercial activity and system for managing and forecasting such resources;
- Working successfully with senior management teams within universities, businesses, and/or government bodies;
- Managing budgetary and human resources to meet institutional deadlines;
- Venture capital investment strategies
Knowledge and Skills
- Expertise in the area of start-up development and business building;
- Appreciation for and understanding of the values, aims and strategy of a leading academic institution;
- Ability to work in partnership with a wide range of partners internal and external to the University;
- Strong negotiating skills and ability to establish and achieve targets and monitor performance indicators;
- Self-motivated and commercially creative;
- Proven business acumen and ability to scope and define potential commercial work;
- Comprehensive understanding of the higher education and external environment, especially as it relates to research, business engagement and commercialisation;
- Highly skilled in developing and delivering business engagement strategies;
- Highly skilled in managing and coordinating business development resources;
- Proven ability to motivate and manage a team of staff including the management of change;
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills
Expectations and behaviours
The University has developed a clear set of core expectations and behaviours that our people should be demonstrating in their work, and as ambassadors of the University’s strategy, vision and values. The following are essential to the role:
Valuing people
Role models the highest ethical standards to cultivate a collaborative workplace that develops talent and enhances wellbeing, whilst also balancing the needs of the various stakeholders.
Taking ownership
Translates the vision into a strategy for own area, enabling people to take the right action for the wider organisation. Can resolve complex problems, balancing the needs of varied stakeholders.
Forward thinking
Always has the overall strategic goal in mind, manages to stimulate agile and forward thinking in others, motivating them and giving them the confidence to drive for continuous improvement.
Professional pride
Goal is to be best in class; ensuring this can be achieved in line with long term strategy regardless of short term challenges. Supports people to do what is best for both the organisation and the department.
Always inclusive
Promotes how collaboration and positive partnerships are essential to success, constantly looking ahead to explore how to involve other potential stakeholders.