Innovation Director

We are seeking an innovative and strategic thinker with strong relationship building skills for the role of Innovation Director based at our new centre in Bolton. The Wellsprings Innovation Centre is being delivered thanks to Government support, and the finished development will help bring high quality jobs to Bolton and provide affordable, modern and flexible co-working and office space within the town centre. As the Innovation Director, you will provide pragmatic, high quality strategic business coaching and innovation support to businesses based in the centre, with the objective of enabling business growth, innovation development and commercial success. We provide a great environment for our customers: fledgling and small businesses which are supported in their growth plans in a centrally located, flexible and inspirational environment.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in business; either working at senior director level within large corporates or as a small business owner themselves. Whilst direct experience of providing quality business coaching to early-stage businesses is favourable; we would consider candidates with the inherent skills and aptitude to develop this capability within the role. However, crucial to being successful in this role will be the ability to build relevant business, investment and innovation networks for the centres, and to proactively drive the benefits of collaborative working. More specifically, the Innovation Director will be responsible for delivering on several targets relating to business growth and development and innovation activity.

This is a part-time role, working 18.75 hrs per week. We are happy to discuss suitable working patterns at interview, but flexibility will be required to meet the needs of the business.

Main duties and responsibilities:

The Wellsprings Innovation Director will co-ordinate the provision of business support for businesses/customers with the objective of enabling business growth, innovation development and commercial success by:

• understanding customers’ requirements and leveraging the OI Space network, resources and local business support eco-system (e.g. OI Space Business Support Team, Oxford Innovation Advice, Oxford Innovation Finance, GC Business Growth Hub) to optimise delivery of the most relevant support.
• delivering a range of community engagement activities including events, networking opportunities and social interactions to drive collaboration.
• devising and growing an innovative programme of support for our resident businesses that places Wellsprings at the heart of creative activity in the region.
• developing our role within the local community and managing ongoing relationships with partners, Bolton Council, the LEP, Chamber of Commerce, HEIs and other organisations; ensuring participation in ongoing initiatives.

Personal Competences:

• Data and ROI driven, with a strong understanding of contract delivery KPIs and ability to provide and interpret information in management reports.
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and a detailed knowledge of the key functions within a business particularly sales & marketing, financial management and operations
• Ability to use own initiative and to be able to identify quickly and effectively how problems can be solved.
• Strong networking and relationship building skills with a personal network beneficial to the business support needs of the role

What’s in it for you?

• Salary of up to £50,000 pa, pro rata, depending on experience
• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays, pro rata
• Permanent health and life insurances
• Flexible benefits package comprising:
  
  • Contributory pension up to 5%
  • Ability to increase or decrease amount of annual leave
  • Ability to increase or decrease amount of life assurance cover
  • Private medical and dental insurance
  • Health screening
  • Bicycle purchase
  • Charitable Giving
  • Electric vehicle purchase
• Friendly, informal and flexible working environment - so you can make the most of your home and your work life

We’ve also got access to a whole load of discounts so you can save money on high street favourites and holiday providers.

If you think you could be a great member of team and would like an exciting opportunity in return, then this is the role you have been looking for – click ‘apply’ today to become our new Innovation Director or to find out more information about the role. We would love to hear from you!

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

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we would advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.