Business & Innovation Connector

The Role

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. 

Business and Innovation Connector 

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly connected professional to join Newcastle Innovations and play a pivotal role in strengthening the University's relationships with businesses, public sector organisations and communities. 

As the University's primary point of contact for external organisations seeking to collaborate, innovate or engage with academic expertise, you will help create a seamless and responsive experience for partners. Working closely with the Head of Innovation Partnerships, academic colleagues and professional services teams, you will identify opportunities, develop strategic relationships and support the growth of impactful partnerships that contribute to the University's ambitions for education, research, innovation and place.  

You will be instrumental in positioning Newcastle University as a partner of choice, connecting external organisations with the expertise, facilities, talent and innovation opportunities that can help them address their most pressing challenges.  

Working closely with colleagues across Newcastle Innovations, you will: 

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  Act as the first point of contact for organisations looking to engage with Newcastle University's innovation ecosystem, ensuring a high-quality and responsive experience

  
  

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  Build and maintain strong relationships with businesses, public sector bodies, third-sector organisations and strategic partners

  
  

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  Identify, develop and route high-value collaboration opportunities to academic and professional services teams, increasing the conversion of enquiries into active partnerships

  
  

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  Support the development of strategic partnerships aligned with institutional priorities and growth ambitions

  
  

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  Promote the University's innovation, research, education and consultancy offer through networking, events, outreach and communications activities

  
  

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  Develop and manage a pipeline of engagement and business development opportunities using CRM systems and partnership intelligence

  
  

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  Represent Newcastle University across regional, national and international networks, helping to strengthen our reputation and influence

  
  

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  Monitor and report on partnership activity, outcomes and impact, contributing to institutional performance and growth objectives

  
  

About you

You will bring: 

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  Experience of working at the interface between businesses and higher education, research or innovation organisations

  
  

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  A strong track record in stakeholder engagement, business development, partnership management or relationship building

  
  

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  Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to articulate the value of Newcastle University's expertise and capabilities to diverse audiences

  
  

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  Experience of managing multiple opportunities, projects and relationships simultaneously in a fast-paced environment

  
  

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  Strong networking and relationship-management capabilities, including engagement with senior leaders and external partners

  
  

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  Knowledge of university-business collaboration, knowledge exchange, consultancy, innovation partnerships or commercial engagement

  
  

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  A proactive, collaborative and customer-focused approach, with the confidence to spot opportunities and turn conversations into impactful partnerships

  
  

Why join us?

You will be part of a University that is: 

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  A trusted civic partner with global reach 

  
  

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  Committed to turning research into real-world impact 

  
  

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  Investing in a bold, integrated approach to innovation 

  
  

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  Focused on delivering economic, social and environmental benefit 

  
  

Together, we are building the next generation of innovation—connecting people, ideas and opportunities to shape a better future.

For further details contact Karen Allenby [email protected]

To apply please upload a copy of your CV, along with a cover letter evidencing how your skills and experience align to the person specification as outlined within job description found here

Key Accountabilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for external organisations seeking to engage with the university’s innovation ecosystem. Effectively triage, route and manage enquiries to their conclusion


• Deliver a high-quality, consistent experience for external partners accessing university innovation services, education offer, capabilities and facilities, co-ordinating with the various Newcastle Innovations Faculty and Unit teams to present a consistent and co-ordinated approach


• Proactively identify and route high-value opportunities to relevant academic or professional teams with the aim of reducing time-to-engagement and increasing conversion of enquiries into active collaborations


• Improve awareness and accessibility of the university’s innovation offer through targeted outreach and communications (showcase events, networking activities, briefings). This will include working with Marketing and Communication staff to ensure our activities are appropriately represented externally via websites and other media to potential partners


• Develop tactics and activities to increase inbound enquiries and engagement from SMEs, corporates, public sector, and third-sector organisations


• Use the B2B CRM (Dynamics 365) to create, manage and report on a pipeline of viable engagement opportunities


• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, acting as a trusted connector and advisor


• Support the development of new partnerships aligned with institutional priorities. Support the development of proposals and partnership agreements where appropriate


• Growth of the University / Partner network (at all levels up to VC and CEO). Develop new and leverage existing internal and external networks as necessary to increase the resilience of partnerships including creating a pipeline of engagement and business development opportunities


• Position the university as a partner of choice in regional and national initiatives


• As directed by the Head of Innovation Partnerships, represent the University in external networks, consortia and forums. Ensure that we are fully represented and networked at relevant regional, national and international conferences and events


• Track and report on engagement metrics, partnership outcomes, and stakeholder satisfaction. Ensuring such metrics and outcomes feed into frameworks such as KEF and HEBCIS. Contribute to the delivery of year-on-year increase in partnership generated income and/or value creation to Newcastle University

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience of working at the interface between businesses and academic institutions


• Experience in stakeholder engagement, business development, or partnership management


• Ability to articulate the Newcastle University “offer” to external stakeholder through effective communication


• Ability to manage multiple enquiries and relationships simultaneously


• Representing organisations in external engagement and experience of negotiations at senior level


• Ability to engage people in constructive conversation about the key issues facing their organisations whilst respecting customers’ confidentiality


• Ability to integrate and work closely with a broad range of staff across a diverse portfolio of activities


• Effective at organising and managing heavy, diverse and complex workload with the ability to work well under pressure


• Ability to work independently in a complex technical / specialist landscape


• Project and bid management experience including contract negotiations


• Knowledge of the portfolio of HE activity related to collaboration across research, innovation and education with an appreciation of knowledge exchange, commercial collaborations, contracts, consultancy, as well as IP management and exploitation

Attributes and Behaviour

• Resilient, organised and reliable team player, willing to work across the spectrum of activities and teams in Newcastle Innovations and the wider University


• Excellent people leadership skills, using tact and diplomacy to gain the support of others as needed, with the ability to work well under pressure in an operational environment


• Uses discretion when dealing with sensitive and confidential information


• Ability to deliver presentations and networking activities, often at a senior level


• Significant and demonstrable interpersonal and influencing skills


• Projects a positive attitude through personal confidence and enthusiasm in order to achieve organisational success. Inspires the trust and confidence of others

Qualifications

• Educated at degree level or significant experience at a similar level