1. JOB TITLE: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Manager

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1 JOB DESCRIPTION 1. JOB TITLE: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Manager 2. REFERENCE NUMBER: HR ROLE CODE: EIMCOD 4. DEPARTMENT: Commercial Operations Directorate 5. ORGANISATION CHART: Reports to the Senior Executive Director of Commercial Operations and Chief Executive of Thornton Research Properties 6. JOB PURPOSE: As part of the Commercial Operations Directorate this role will be responsible for stimulating an environment for innovation and entrepreneurship and supporting the commercial activities of companies associated with the University by promoting and developing a strong brand for the Thornton Science Park and for other University innovation activities. 7. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The University of Chester acquisition of Shell UK s former research centre at Thornton, near Chester, marks a significant step change in Cheshire and Warrington s engagement with the science and innovation agenda, both nationally and internationally. The Thornton Science Park offers a wealth of R&D equipment, facilities and supporting infrastructure that can now, for the first time, be made available to the wider business community. This development supports the concept of the Cheshire Science Corridor, which has been identified as a development priority for the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership. 8. WORK PERFORMED AND/OR KEY RESULT AREAS: 8.1 Communicating Effectively To initiate and maintain effective relationships with businesses and to provide them with appropriate support information. To communicate with other business support providers in the North West in order to access the necessary additional support for businesses.

2 To ensure effective communication with other members of the Project Team is maintained to achieve project targets. To develop and implement innovative strategies to promote the services Commercial Operations Directorate. 8.2 Leadership and Working Collaboratively To work collaboratively and closely with beneficiary businesses in order to provide them with appropriate advice. To work collaboratively as part of the Commercial Operations Directorate team, providing specialist advice in order to achieve targets. To work with the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Riverside Innovation Centre and other relevant internal departments in order to offer a comprehensive service to businesses. 8.3 Liaison and Networking The role holder will be part of a wider team that includes other HEIs, FECs and business support providers and will be required to share knowledge and experience with these groups across the North West. Engage with relevant stakeholders that support the development of commercial activities at Thornton Science Park e.g. government initiatives and organisations, businesses and the investor community. Development of networks and clusters- establish community (site) events and programmes to create better collaboration and relations between industry, academia and relevant stakeholders. The role holder will work closely with SMEs from across the North West and will need to proactively approach businesses in order to promote the services on offer at the Centre. 8.4 Delivering a High Quality Standard of Service To proactively develop Entrepreneurship as a skill through initiatives for both academia and industry (working with existing University of Chester and stakeholder s courses/programmes that complement this skill development). To promote and help develop a strong brand for the Thornton Science Park and for other University innovation activities. To ensure stakeholders receive the customer care and specialist support they require. 8.5 Effective Decision Making Evaluating the intellectual property (IP) and technology and how IP can be generated moving forward.

3 To provide advice and commercial ideas/options to businesses in a way that is clear, accessible and approachable. 8.6 Planning and Organising Self and Others Proactively supporting business propositions and the commercialisation process of business incubator and spin-out companies. 8.7 Innovation and Improvement (Effective Problem Solving) Spurring a rise in business start-ups, including student start-ups, and providing a platform for them to achieve this (incubation/accelerator programme/mentorship). 8.8 Analysis and Research Maintain knowledge and awareness of the innovation landscape especially of collaborative research and grant funding opportunities. Collate, maintain and disseminate information relating to investors including venture capital and business angels. Data to include fund size, timelines, preferred sectors and investment criteria. Collect investment data relating to those companies supported by UoC programmes. 8.9 Sensory and Physical Demands The role holder is required to complete basic tasks that would require either minimum instruction or light physical effort Work Environment The role holder is required to work in an environment which is relatively stable and has little impact on the role holder or the way in which work is completed. The role holder will be responsible for informing any guests to Thornton of the relevant health and safety information Pastoral Care and Welfare The role holder is occasionally required to show sensitivity to those who may need help. The role holder may initiate appropriate action by involving relevant specialist or more senior staff Team Development The role holder will assist new starters working in the same team on standard information or procedures Teaching and Learning Support

4 The role holder is occasionally required to train others on specific areas of Entrepreneurship and Innovation specialisms and give feedback on the basis of their own knowledge or experience Knowledge and Experience The role holder is required to have sufficient knowledge or expertise to work on day to day issues in their own area without direct or continuous reference to others General To undertake any other duties commensurate with your grade, and/or hours of work, as may reasonably be required of you. To take responsibility for upholding and complying with the University s Equality and Diversity policies and for behaving in ways that are consistent with fair and equal treatment for all. To comply with all University Health and Safety policies.

5 PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Manager Department: COD Criteria / Desirable Method of identification Qualifications: MBA or Higher Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline. Application/ certificates Proven Experience: Proven experience of working a science park or relevant environment Experience of providing companies with business support Delivering academic and service excellence: Experience of working with external stakeholders relevant to the development of a science park and or equivalent Track record of delivering time and financially bound projects to external stakeholders/government within the innovation environment Managing self and inspiring others: Ability to inspire and motivate through both verbal and written communication to diverse audiences Ability to identify opportunities and establish initiatives to help foster business growth and develop commercial activity Working together: Ability to support academia in considering different commercial avenues for their research Desirable l Organisational and stakeholder awareness: Actively staying abreast of current developments relevant to a science park and commercial activity Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at the shortlisting stage. Desirable Requirements are those that would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements. Method of identification is where the selection panel will match the candidate s skills and abilities to the required criteria outlined (e.g. application form, interview, presentation, test)

6 UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS DIRECTORATE SALARY SCALE University Scale OS9, points 31 34, 32,277-35,256 per annum, payable monthly in arrears. HOURS OF WORK Monday Thursday 9.00am 5.30pm Friday 9.00am 4.30pm (less one hour lunch break each day) A flexible approach to work will be required as there may be occasions when it would be necessary for you to work additional hours as dictated by the workload. The Faculty of Health and Social Care operates a flexi-time policy. RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT It is a requirement of this post that within 12 months of appointment, the post-holder should live within a 30 mile radius or within a one hour travelling time by public transport from the University. HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT 22 days per annum (pro-rata during the commencement and cessation years), rising to 27 days after five years' continuous service. Two extra statutory days during the Christmas period. MEDICAL EXAMINATION Successful candidates will be required to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire, and may be required to undergo a medical examination. ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATES Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring to interview, proof of qualifications as outlined on the Job Description and Person Specification provided. Upon appointment, copies of essential certificates will be required by HRM Services. PENSION SCHEME The University operates two pension schemes for support staff: The default scheme is the Higher Education Defined Contribution Scheme (HEDCS), which is administered by Friends Life. The Cheshire Local Government Pension Scheme, to which the University is an admitted body. All support staff are entitled to participate in one of these schemes. Some staff will be automatically enrolled into a scheme, depending on their age and earnings, but if they do not wish to remain a member of the scheme, they will be entitled to opt out after enrolment. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The University has a policy of equal opportunity aimed at treating all applicants for employment fairly. SMOKING POLICY The University operates a No-Smoking policy.

7 PROBATIONARY PERIOD A nine months' probationary period applies to all University posts. CLOSING DATE Candidates should apply for this vacancy via our online recruitment website ( by Monday 23 rd February 2015 quoting reference number HR14161