This job is no longer live. The employer has closed or delisted this posting, so new applications are unlikely to be considered. See live jobs at The University of Manchester or browse all sponsored jobs.
Head of SME Partnerships
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£55,100
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2433 is an eligible occupation, but we classified this role with low confidence (27% match). If the code is right — and The University of Manchester is a licensed sponsor — it should qualify, but double-check the occupation eligibility rules against the actual role.
About the role
The University of Manchester is looking for an experienced and influential leader to join us as Head of SME Partnerships. This is a fantastic opportunity to take a leading role in strengthening how businesses connect with our world-class research, innovation, expertise and talent.
As a senior leader within the Business Engagement & Knowledge Exchange (BE&KE) team, you'll lead our SME engagement and consultancy portfolio, act as a deputy to the Director of BE&KE and play a key role in delivering the University's ambitious innovation agenda.
Working at the heart of a vibrant innovation ecosystem, you'll bring together colleagues, businesses and partners to create opportunities, develop impactful collaborations and help ensure organisations of all sizes can access the expertise and capabilities that make Manchester one of the world's leading universities.
You will be responsible for:
- Leading the University's strategic approach to SME engagement, helping businesses connect with Manchester's expertise, talent, facilities and innovation opportunities.
- Building and strengthening relationships with business leaders, innovation networks, sector bodies, science parks, Catapults, public sector organisations and strategic partners.
- Leading and growing the University's consultancy activity, creating new opportunities for collaboration and impact.
- Bringing together colleagues from across faculties and professional services to create a more joined up, accessible and effective experience for business partners.
- Leading strategic projects and initiatives that support innovation, partnership development and business growth.
We're looking for a collaborative and commercially minded leader with a passion for partnership building, innovation and creating meaningful impact.
You may come from higher education, business engagement, innovation, consultancy, economic development, industry or a partnership-focused environment. What matters most is your ability to build relationships, influence across complex organisations and create opportunities that deliver results.
For more details about the role, please see the candidate brochure below.
If you're excited by the prospect of influencing how businesses engage with one of the UK'
For further information about our benefits and flexible working arrangements, please visit the University of Manchester Benefits and Flexible and Hybrid Working webpages.
Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
talent.attraction@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with The University of Manchester, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
SOC 2433 · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · ~40k in sampleSimilar sponsored roles
See all jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at The University of ManchesterAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. The University of Manchester holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2433 going rate of £55,100. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.