Head of Equity Services

Location: Cornwall (Home Based but must be able to attend regular client meetings in person)

This role is fixed term to the 31 March 2025.

Salary - up to £60,000.00, dependant upon skills and experience. 

Job Overview

Oxford Innovation Advice is a commercial organisation recognised as market leading specialists in SME business growth support and development. Now firmly established as a key provider of advisory services to businesses in the Duchy, having successfully delivered the ERDF funded Access to Finance Project since 2017, we are now recruiting for the new programme, Access to Finance Plus (A2F+). This role will report to the Programme Delivery Manager. 

The aim of the role will be to lead the team delivering an Equity Investment Readiness Accelerator. Based on our proven model, you will support the progression of 5 cohorts of businesses through an intensive course covering all aspects of investment readiness and presentation to potential investors. You will work with Cornwall & Isles of Scilly based start-up businesses and established SMEs to guide them through a 10 module plan including the development of compelling pitch decks and associated financials.

The successful candidate will be experienced in all aspects of raising equity funds and have a good understanding of the local market dynamics. You will be able to demonstrate your experience and understanding of the different sources of equity finance and how to build a credible picture to present to potential investors.

You will be experienced in leading and motivating a team, with strong communication skills and a positive outlook. You will be experienced in negotiating and influencing at a senior decision maker level, with an ability to build lasting relationships.

Oxford Innovation Advice are widely acknowledged as market leaders in the delivery of business advisory services to SMEs. Our sister division, OI Finance, runs the UK’s most active Business Angel network and manages a co-investment fund so we possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that you can leverage. We enjoy a reputation for exemplary customer service and the ability to deliver results. Our people are recognised for exceptional skill levels, the ability to get things done and for working in a light touch managerial environment where we trust our employees to perform with minimal supervision.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

The role will include the following activities:

• Team management with 3 direct reports – Performance development, team engagement, productivity, effectiveness and, in conjunction with the Programme Delivery Manager, appraisals;
• Delivery, in conjunction with the PDM, of programme targets; sharing resource and expertise as and when required;
• Resource planning and client allocation (with PST and PDM);
• Co-ordinate and lead the delivery of workshops and peer to peer events.
• Work as an Adviser with reduced case load.
• Build enduring relationships with investors and their intermediaries
• Promote a strong working relationship with the Growth Hub and other delivery organisations.
• Regular group meetings with direct reports to share best practice, client experiences, performance issues, reporting etc.
• Accurately checking of all timesheets and expenses for team

Key Measures:

• Programme targets – SMEs recruited, adviser efficiency, contracted impact measures (number of clients completing the course, successful equity investor introductions, jobs created, finance raised etc)
• Development of Investor networks.
• Performance and development of direct reports
• Adviser productivity and development
• SME satisfaction
• Adherence to OI Advice policies and systems

• Ability to work independently with evidence of sound judgement
• Experience of the Equity Investment market and associated processes
• Previous experience of building relationships essential
• Ability to motivate a team in times of change
• Strong communication skills at all levels essential
• A self-motivated, adaptable and positive outlook
• Experience of working in a demanding environment, where the willingness to do whatever is necessary to meet the needs of the business, is crucial
• Experience of negotiating/influencing at senior decision maker level
• To be seen as trustworthy, approachable and available

Oxford Innovation Advice is a dynamic and fast growing company where a culture of constant innovation and mutual respect delivers bottom line results from within a stimulating and challenging working environment. Part of SQW Group, our sister divisions provide flexible office space for start-up and growing technology companies, Angel investment networks and co-investment fund management plus public policy and economic development consultancy services in the UK, Europe and Asia. 

Our closing date for applications is the 10th May 2024. We reserve the right to appoint prior to this date, therefore applications should be submitted as soon as possible.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.