Director of Portfolio (The University of Manchester Innovation Factory)

Director of Portfolio

We are seeking a resilient and inspiring individual responsible for leading the Innovation Factory’s partnerships with investors and overall management of the asset portfolio of spinouts and technologies arising from the commercialisation of the University’s Intellectual Property assets, including later stage support for spinouts.

Accountabilities

• Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Portfolio is a member of the Innovation Factory’s Senior Leadership Team, setting strategy, organsational culture and values and direction for the organisation;
• Establish and maintain close working relationships with the CEO, Director of Corporate Services and Director of Business Development to implement strategy and embed a supportive and positive organisational culture throughout UoMIF;
• Leadership of the Portfolio team, setting direction and goals;
• Act as an ambassador for the Innovation Factory and its mission nationally and internationally, deputising for the CEO as required;
• Ensure the highest levels of customer experience for founders, partners and other key stakeholders, to enhance the reputation of the Innovation Factory and the University of Manchester;
• Development and management of key, strategic partnerships, including Northern Gritstone, corporates, Venture Capital firms and Angel Investors, to ensure that spinout companies have optimal access to finance to enable them to launch and grow;
• Providing support for the negotiation of significant follow-on investment and licensing deals;
• Proactive management and direct support for the UoMIF portfolio of spinouts, spinout shareholdings, and IP assets;
• Providing continued support for spinouts, founders, technologies and implementing innovative ways to support these groups, embracing new technology that enhances operational delivery;
• Line management, recruitment, development and training of staff with approximately 6 direct reports;
• Fosters a positive, supportive culture within the organisation and develops and nurtures talent;
• Promotes the activities of the Innovation Factory, its spinout companies and technologies to a global audience of Investors, Corporate partners, Universities, Governmental bodies and other key organisations;
• Works closely with the UoMIF senior leadership team, corporate services (e.g. legal, IP services), innovation discovery and business development teams and the University’s Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team to develop strategies for varied access to funding and continued, long-term support for spinout companies;
• Actively promotes, supports and collaborates with the innovation community across the University of Manchester including Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange, The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre and Unit M.

Skills, Experience and Qualities:

• An inspirational and persuasive leader with the ability to enthuse, develop and empower others;
• Experience in leadership, management and coaching;
• A proven track record of high value deal making and new product strategy, development and launch, ideally within a technology transfer office environment;
• Demonstrable business development experience;
• Deep understanding of Intellectual Property matters and its key role in successful research commercialisation;
• A diplomat with the ability to inspire confidence, trust and respect amongst colleagues, senior leaders, academics, investors, corporates and other key stakeholders;
• A strong networker who enjoys developing relationships;
• Excellent role model for personal standards of integrity, and work ethic;
• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills;

Qualifications:

• A degree or similar qualification or equivalent is essential for this role

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