Technology Transfer Manager

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. 

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.  

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.  

About the University and Innovate Surrey Ltd

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. We are ambitious and have a bold vision - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world - which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee. 

Innovate Surrey Ltd (ISL) is a key part of the Research and Innovation (R&I) Directorate and is a subsidiary company of the University. ISL’s mission is to support the delivery of the University’s Vision 2041 by translating and commercialising university research into impactful technologies and commercial solutions that address key societal challenges.

About the Technology Transfer Manager role

ISL is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Technology Transfer Manager to play a leading role in the identification, protection, management, and commercialisation of the University’s intellectual property (IP). Reporting to the Managing Director of Innovate Surrey Ltd, you will focus on maximising licensing and spinout opportunities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the identification and evaluation of new IP generated through research.
• Managing a portfolio of technology transfer projects throughout their lifecycle.
• Directing routes to commercialisation via licensing or the formation of spinout companies.
• Liaising with external legal and patent professionals to manage patent filings and prosecutions.
• Negotiating and drafting complex commercial agreements, including licence and spinout formation agreements.
• Developing and maintaining strategic relationships with regional and national partners, funders, and investors.

About you

The successful candidate will be a confident, credible professional who enjoys working at the interface of academia, industry and investment, and who can build strong, trusted relationships with researchers, senior stakeholders and external partners. You will be proactive, analytically strong and politically astute, with the ability to quickly grasp complex technologies, assess their commercial potential and guide them through to successful exploitation. A collaborative and empathetic communicator, you will be motivated by delivering real‑world impact at scale and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. 

You will need:

• A relevant postgraduate qualification (Science, Engineering, Createch, or similar) or substantial equivalent vocational management experience.
• Proven experience in technology transfer within a research or commercial environment.
• Demonstrable expertise in IP protection, patenting, and managing IP portfolios.
• Experience negotiating complex commercial and legal agreements.
• Strong commercialisation and market evaluation skills together with the ability to develop business plans and financial forecasts for spinouts and startups.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.

What we can offer

In addition to salary, you will receive:

• Yearly incremental pay rises.
• Generous annual leave (25 days holiday, 7 university closure days, and 8 bank holidays).
• A generous pension and access to world-class leisure facilities on campus.
• Supportive family-friendly benefits, including an excellent on-site nursery.

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Jim Shaikh, Managing Director j.shaikh@surrey.ac.uk

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