Business & Innovation Senior Partner (FMS)

Company description:

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Job description:

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.

Interviews will take place Thursday 3rd Sept 2026

Business and Innovation Senior Partner

We are seeking experienced and highly credible professionals to join Newcastle Innovations in a pivotal role working at the interface of academia, industry and innovation.

As a Business and Innovation Senior Partner, you will act as a trusted advisor and delivery partner to the Faculty of Medical Sciences shaping and delivering innovation and engagement activity aligned with institutional and faculty priorities. You will play a central role in translating world-class research and education into real-world outcomes, driving partnerships, income growth and impact.

What will you do

Working closely with Faculty leadership, you will:

• Act as the primary relationship lead between the Faculty of Medical Sciences and Newcastle Innovations, designing and delivering innovation activity aligned to strategic priorities
• Support colleagues to translate research into application, delivering measurable economic and societal impact
• Build and manage high-value partnerships with industry, government, NHS and other stakeholders, including negotiation and oversight
• Develop a strong pipeline of innovation projects and investible propositions, embedding interdisciplinary and co-designed approaches
• Lead or support large, complex bids and business cases, aligned with UKRI, Innovate UK, Horizon Europe and other funding opportunities
• Drive contract research and clinical trial activity, working across academic, commercial and NHS partners
• Lead horizon scanning and funding intelligence, identifying new opportunities and shaping strategic responses
• Embed innovation capability across the University, including design thinking, co-creation and innovation skills development 

You will work closely with the Head of Innovation Ecosystem and wider Newcastle Innovations team to connect Faculty priorities into broader innovation programmes and partnerships, ensuring the University is positioned at the heart of thriving regional, national and global ecosystems.

Advert information