Senior Incubator Ventures Manager

Senior Incubator Ventures Manager
Permanent
Ref: 225

• Are you passionate about creating an innovative space where entrepreneurs can thrive?
• Do you have experience with start-ups and other early-stage companies?
• Would you like to join a team of outstanding people who help bring new ideas to life?

In an era of continuous change, Universities are increasingly being called upon to help solve some of the world’s biggest problems. Oxford University Innovation (OUI) undertake a wide variety of activities to unlock the potential of Oxford ideas. From licensing University inventions and finding investment for spinout companies to setting up social enterprises and supporting student entrepreneurship, innovation is the magic behind the scenes that turns ideas born in Oxford University into technologies and new ventures that create positive and transformative economic and societal impact in the wider world.

The Incubator is a specialist team within Oxford University Innovation (OUI) focused on Student & Alumni Engagement. Ideas span every conceivable field of endeavour; the Incubator offers a fast-paced and energetic environment to support Practical Entrepreneurship.

The Opportunity:

We have an exciting opportunity for the right candidate take a leading role in running the Start-Up Incubator programme. Operational since 2011, we have supported hundreds of Oxford Students and Alumni and we are now entering an exciting new phase in our development as part of the University of Oxford’s focus on Entrepreneurship for its Student Population. This means we are expanding our operations & growing our team. We have just opened a newly equipped incubator hub & we are on track to increase our throughput threefold in the coming year. Successes from the incubator include world-leading companies like Onfido.

The role requires someone with entrepreneurial spirit, strong business acumen, excellent communication skills and a proven ability to manage interactions with a broad base of entrepreneurs, including students and alumni.

The key responsibilities include:

• Managing operations of the OUI Start-up Incubator and supporting the evolution of its strategic direction
• Mentoring entrepreneurs through the key stages of incorporation and fund raising
• Attracting suitable new ventures into the Incubator
• Identifying and proposing new commercial strategies to keep the Start-up Incubator sustainable.
• Initiating and developing collaborations and partnerships within the University and externally
• Working to develop the profile of the Incubator regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• Working with and influencing world-leading entrepreneurs in the University community and beyond

The successful candidate will have a relevant degree (or equivalent), with MBA desirable but not essential. A strong background in start-ups is preferred. They will need to demonstrate experience and expertise in supporting start-ups and/or running one. Adaptability and resilience in a fast-changing environment and problem solving with diplomacy will be important for this role. Proven competence in the following is also essential:

• Strategic thinking and proactively driving change.
• Grasping new concepts quickly over a wide range of markets, technologies & business models
• Deploying excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Working with the team to deliver the practical support they need to succeed.
• Creativity in working with teams to ensure best outcomes for all.

How to apply:  If you are interested in applying for this role, please download the application form from our website (www.innovation.ox.ac.uk) and send together with a copy of your CV and covering letter to Roy Bennett roy@adlib-recruitment.co.uk.

Salary for this role is commensurate with experience and will be in the range of £48,000 – £55,000

The closing date is midday on Monday 13th February 2023

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

Oxford University Innovation is an Equal Opportunities Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a supportive working, learning and social environment, in which the rights and dignity of all its staff are respected, and where everyone is able to be themselves and is empowered to reach their full potential. This commitment is linked to and reinforces the OUI values of integrity, collaboration, and empowerment. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures. OUI is accredited with the Investors in People Silver status.

Our approach to hybrid and flexible working:

We believe that our employees are our most asset, and we are committed to attracting and retaining the very best talent. We also appreciate that the UK workforce is becoming increasingly diverse and includes a high percentage of parents and individuals with caring responsibilities, as well as those whose interests and aspirations impact on their time.

We recognise the importance of helping our employees balance their work and home lives by offering flexible working arrangements that enable them to balance their work commitments with other priorities. This includes hybrid working and flexible working.

Information about the benefits and working life at OUI can be found here Benefits – Oxford University Innovation

OUI is accredited with the Investors in People Silver status.