Head of Project Delivery

We currently have a fantastic opportunity for Head of Project Delivery, reporting to the Director of Business Development and Investment. The successful candidate will be an experienced and skilled life sciences or science & engineering professional who will act as a leader within the organisation with the capability, skills and gravitas to work across The Innovation Factory as well as the ability to work outwardly across the University and externally. The role will involve working within an innovative and commercial environment to provide leadership on scientific developments with the ability to manage and inspire direct reports and cross-functional team members. The key objectives of the role will be to:

• Lead the Business Analytics Team in carrying out a robust critical analysis of projects in Stages 2 and 3, to support licensing transactions and the creation of business plans for spin-out companies.
• Develop business plans and provide detailed, documented supporting information and relevant supporting data highlighting reasons new inventions address an unmet need and have a significant commercial competitive advantage over existing technologies.
• Accountable for ensuring that the Business Analytics Team delivers high-quality project analysis and recommended commercialisation strategies in a timely manner.
• Provide the Business Analytics Team with strategic direction, training, and mentoring.
• Lead the Business Analytics Team to work collaboratively with all other groups in the Innovation Factory organisation.
• Direct line management responsibility for Project Managers within the Business Analytics team as well as indirect management of cross functional teams with the goal of developing the capability of individuals to work across early innovations through to late-stage commercial transactions and thereby enhancing the competency within The Innovation Factory
  
  The successful candidate will have the following essential skills, experience and qualifications:
• Strong scientific experience within a
discipline.
• Demonstrates knowledge and experience of the critical enablers and impediments in bringing new technologies to market.
• Experience of technology commercialisation is essential and commercial deal-making specifically in the areas of IP licensing and investment would be beneficial.
• Broad commercial experience of life science / science & engineering / digital related sectors.
• An ability to develop and present commercially compelling business cases that maximizes deal value.
• Well informed about innovative technology developments, market and investment trends in the life science / science & engineering / digital sector.
• Analytical, detail orientated and thinks broadly about the commercial impact before making decisions.
• Experience of managing and developing programmes of complex projects.
• Ideally experience of project portfolio management and reporting.
• Proven experience working within a target driven business environment.
• Builds strong collaborative relationships with inventors, colleagues and both internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven track record of managing, developing and leading individuals and teams within a project environment.
• Has the gravitas to be credible with investor contacts, senior academics and Innovation Factory peers.
• Promotes collaborative behaviours across Innovation Factory and the wider environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Works within time and cost constraints appropriate to the project.
• Respects and works according to the Innovation Factory's company values, namely, Higher degree in a scientific or engineering discipline is essential
  
  The Innovation Factory is the Technology Transfer Office for the University of Manchester. We work with academic and student inventors to identify innovative opportunities which create social, economic and environmental impact. We then develop these opportunities into commercially valuable Intellectual Property licenses or spin out businesses.
  
  Desirable
A business management qualification What you will get in return:
• Fantastic market leading pension scheme.
• 22 starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays rising with length of service.
• Additional 4 days' paid closure over the Christmas period.
• Private health care and dental care.
• Great working environment within the University of Manchester campus, with excellent transport links.
The Innovation Factory aims to have a truly global reach and, with the scale and quality of research taking place at The University of Manchester, it has the ambition to be one of the world's leading Technology Transfer organisations, if you would like to be part of this inspirational organisation, please email your CV and cover letter to talent@uominnovationfactory.com