Industry Partnership Manager - Engineering and Physical Sciences (Cyber, AI and Transport) (063319-R)

The University of Surrey is a global university with a world-class research profile and an enterprising spirit. Surrey has a track record of successful commercialisation of science and technology research and working with industry, with a growing portfolio of activity. Surrey is proud to be The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide University of the Year 2016.

The Industry Partnerships team is focussed on managing Surrey’s industry and business relationships and identifying new partnerships opportunities, ultimately growing Surrey’s portfolio of large-scale, directly-funded industry collaborations.

A vacancy has arisen for the post of Industry Partnerships Manager – Engineering and Physical Sciences. Working in the Industry Partnerships team within the Innovation Strategy Directorate, the post holder will work with leading academics to help to develop the University’s engagement with its existing / prospective strategic industrial partners in sectors directly aligned with the University’s Research themes. The purpose of the role is to build strong relationships – with a focus, but not exclusively, on the Cyber, AI and Transport sectors – and translate them into long-term mutually beneficial partnerships.

As the ‘route in’ for prospective partners, the post holder will be responsible for understanding the internal stakeholders (i.e., academic priorities, research questions, networks and appetite to engage) and be outward-facing, with market and sector awareness – to proactively identify and broker new collaborations. They will signpost opportunities to colleagues and cross-sell, working collaboratively across the organisation and in line with Surrey’s Research and Innovation Strategy, with clear targets to increase industrial income.

The post holder will have strong awareness of business trends and emerging technologies / services in the sector(s). They will practice a key account management approach and be Faculty-facing, dedicated to the academic community in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. The successful candidate will be a strong communicator, relationship builder and will have experience of relationship management at executive board level.  The post holder will have strong project management skills and commercial acumen, and a track record of securing industry funding.

We are seeking to appoint a committed, motivated and organised individual who will demonstrate an ability to work: independently and collaboratively with Industry Partnerships colleagues; with a broad range of colleagues across Innovation Strategy (including Incubation & Enterprise and Technology Transfer teams), with Research Strategy, Research & Innovation Services (including Programme Management, Legal, Contracts), the Surrey Research Park (with c.140 companies co-located), the Surrey Business School, and the Doctoral College; and with an expanding portfolio of senior, external stakeholders.

In return we offer a generous annual leave allowance, defined pension scheme, exclusive discounted membership for the Surrey Sports Park, and on-site childcare facilities. Please note: appointment will be made within the indicated salary range dependent upon appropriate skills and experience.

The post holder will be both physically located within the Faculty and central team.

This is a full-time post. We welcome applicants seeking a job share / part-time / flexible working.

For informal enquiries please contact Barry Ponsford (b.ponsford@surrey.ac.uk).

Closing Date: 08 Nov 2019
Category: Professional Services