Incubator Manager

Are you passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and supporting deep tech startups within a vibrant community by providing engagement activities, and an outstanding customer experience?

Could you help founders turn breakthrough ideas into successful, scaling ventures?

Imperial is seeking an experienced and ambitious Incubator Manager to lead the delivery of our world-class startup incubation facilities across the West Tech London ecosystem, including ARC Hammersmith, Base One North Acton and the Quantum Transport Testbeds.

The Imperial Incubator is a key part of Imperial’s Science for Humanity strategy focussing on amplifying impact and West Tech London. As the Incubator Manager, you will be responsible for Imperial's incubation, shared laboratory and testbed facilities, ensuring they effectively support the Imperial’s innovation and entrepreneurship strategy.

This is a unique opportunity to manage one of the UK's leading deep-tech incubation environments, supporting student startups, Imperial spinouts and innovative SMEs working across sectors including life sciences, climate tech, engineering and quantum technologies.

What you would be doing:

• Lead the day-to-day operation of Imperial's incubation, laboratory and innovation facilities across multiple sites.
• Manage and develop a skilled operational team, creating a culture of collaboration, excellence and outstanding customer service.
• Build and nurture a thriving community of founders, innovators, researchers, investors and partners.
• Ensure facilities operate safely, efficiently and in compliance with relevant regulations and Imperial policies.
• Oversee occupancy, onboarding and customer experience across incubation spaces.
• Support networking programmes, workshops, events and VIP visits that strengthen the innovation ecosystem.
• Manage budgets, supplier relationships and operational contracts to ensure financial sustainability and value for money.
• Work closely with internal teams and external partners to develop new facilities, services and initiatives to contribute to the continued growth and reputation of Imperial's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

What we are looking for:

• A degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience supporting startups, business growth initiatives or deep-tech facilities.
• Experience managing customer, client, member or stakeholder relationships in a complex environment.
• A strong track record of leading teams and delivering high-quality operational services.
• Experience managing health and safety, risk and compliance in laboratory, technical and multi occupancy customer-facing environments.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing budgets, suppliers and external service providers.
• Knowledge of the incubator, accelerator, innovation and technology ecosystem.
• A commitment to supporting entrepreneurial ventures and innovation-led growth.

Experience gained within higher education, research environments, innovation districts, industry membership organisations such as UKSPA, One Nucleus, or startup ecosystems would be particularly advantageous.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to lead one of the UK’s premier deep-tech incubation environments and support innovative ventures tackling global challenges.
• A key role within Imperial's thriving White City innovation ecosystem and the wider West Tech London network.
• The chance to work alongside entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and industry partners developing breakthrough technologies.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development within a world-leading university.
• A sector-leading benefits package, including generous annual leave and pension provision.
• Access to a wide range of staff benefits, wellbeing initiatives, family-friendly policies and staff networks.

Further Information

Enterprise is Imperial's innovation and commercialisation division, connecting businesses, researchers, students and entrepreneurs with expertise, funding, facilities and support to turn world-class research and ideas into real-world impact.

This is a full time, open-ended position based at White City campus (100% on-site).

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Graham Hewson g.hewson@imperial.ac.uk

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