Head of Innovation Ecosystem

From Newcastle. For the World.

Help shape the next generation of innovation

At Newcastle University, we are redefining what it means to be a world-class civic university. Through our Next Generation Newcastle transformation, we are making a generational commitment to shape a better future, delivering research, education and innovation that creates real-world impact locally and globally.

This is a moment of exciting change. We are strengthening our focus on partnerships, place and innovation to unlock the full value of our research and talent, working with business, government and communities to tackle the challenges that matter most.

As part of this, we have transformed our Knowledge Exchange function and created Newcastle Innovations, bringing together expertise in commercialisation, partnerships and engagement into a more integrated, ambitious and outward-facing model. We are building a dynamic innovation ecosystem that accelerates the journey from discovery to impact, connecting our strengths in health, energy, data and creative practice with real-world needs and opportunities.

If you are ambitious about innovation with purpose, and want to shape how a leading university delivers growth, impact and societal benefit, this is your opportunity.

Head of Innovation Ecosystem

We are seeking a talented leader to join the Newcastle Innovations Executive Team and play a central role in shaping and delivering our innovation ambition.

You will lead the development of a vibrant, connected and mission-led innovation ecosystem— embedding Newcastle University at the heart of regional, national and global innovation networks. You will design and deliver new ways of working that bring together academia, industry, government and communities to co-create solutions and drive inclusive, sustainable growth.

Working closely with the Director of Newcastle Innovations, you will:

• Develop and deliver an open, mission-led innovation framework, translating strategy into impactful programmes and partnerships
• Build and lead high-value, cross-sector collaborations, connecting partners across the quadruple helix to deliver investment, innovation and growth
• Create and manage a strong pipeline of innovation opportunities, from early-stage concepts through to investible propositions and large-scale bids
• Champion interdisciplinary working and co-design, embedding innovation practices and skills across the University
• Lead strategic external engagement and ecosystem development, positioning Newcastle as a partner of choice for innovation
• Drive new approaches to business models, partnerships and place, maximising the value and impact of our activity

You will also play a broader leadership role across Business, Innovation, Partnerships and Place, helping to shape institutional direction, strengthen capability and deliver measurable impact.

About you

You will bring:

• A strong track record of leading innovation, partnerships and complex programmes
• Deep understanding of innovation ecosystems, commercialisation and place-based growth
• Experience of building strategic relationships across sectors and disciplines
• Commercial acumen and the ability to turn ideas into deliverable, investable opportunities
• The leadership skills to inspire teams, influence stakeholders and drive change in a complex environment

Why join us?

You will be part of a University that is:

• A trusted civic partner with global reach
• Committed to turning research into real-world impact
• Investing in a bold, integrated approach to innovation
• Focused on delivering economic, social and environmental benefit

For more information contact Estelle Blanks, Director of Newcastle Innovations at estelle.blanks@newcastle.ac.uk

To apply please upload your CV and cover letter evidencing how your skills and experiences align to the skills,knowledge and experience criteria as outlined within the job description found here

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