Senior Commercialisation Manager / Associate Director

West Cambridge | From £56,000 | Permanent, full-time | Hybrid working

Unlock the future of innovation at the University of Cambridge! Be the driving force behind groundbreaking technologies and transform cutting-edge research into real-world solutions

Why you will love this role:

Imagine leading a portfolio of pioneering projects, from initial discovery to successful commercialisation. As a Senior Commercialisation Manager/Associate Director, you’ll collaborate with brilliant minds, turning their innovative ideas into market-ready products. You’ll navigate the entire lifecycle of these projects, making critical decisions that shape the future of technology. Your work will not only impact the industry but also bring significant economic and societal benefits. Plus, working in a matrix you’ll mentor and guide a talented team, fostering their growth and contributing to a culture of excellence.

In this role, you’ll be at the heart of Cambridge Enterprise’s mission to support researchers in developing their ideas into opportunities that attract industry and investors. You’ll manage a variety of projects, from identifying new opportunities and evaluating them for inclusion in the Cambridge Enterprise portfolio, to protecting, developing, marketing, managing risk, and concluding commercial deals. Your decisions will be based on the commercial opportunity, potential economic and societal impact, and the resources required.

You will provide leadership to junior members of the team, nurturing their development and supporting their growth as future leaders in technology transfer. You will also build and maintain strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including academics, funders, potential licensees, and investors. You’ll also work actively with inventors to secure translational and proof-of-concept funding and access appropriate external expertise. Additionally, you’ll raise and maintain the profile and awareness of Cambridge Enterprise’s activities, expertise, and resources within the University of Cambridge and beyond.

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What we're looking for:

PhD or research experience in a relevant field.
Commercial experience in knowledge-based business and contract negotiation.
Demonstrated leadership experience, including leading people and projects, and the ability to nurture junior talent.
Expertise in life sciences technology development, licensing, and business development.
Confident decision-making on technology management and agreements.
Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and a keen interest in leveraging technology to enhance productivity.
Ability to build strong relationships and contribute to effective case progression.
Experience in managing complex and sensitive issues, using initiative to solve problems.
Understanding and responding to customer needs, tailoring services accordingly.
Positive engagement with teams and adaptability to changing requirements.

Nice to have:

Experience with intellectual property (IP) protection mechanisms.
Knowledge of the University sector and project management skills.
Familiarity with CRM systems

Diversity and equality matter:

These are our ideal requirements, but we know some people are less likely to apply for the role unless they are 100% qualified. At Cambridge Enterprise, we promote a diverse, inclusive and empowering culture, so please apply if you meet most of the job requirements.

If you have any questions about the interview process, or if you need any reasonable adjustments, please don’t hesitate to contact Ian, Gemma, Michelle or Sofia at people@enterprise.cam.ac.uk

Why Cambridge Enterprise?

We are at the heart of Europe's most successful research and technology cluster and we're on a mission to bring innovation to life, making a difference to society, the UK economy, and the University of Cambridge. We connect the innovative minds of the University’s academics with the funding, start-up expertise and commercial relationships they need to help their ideas thrive.

Our success stories include an electric vehicle charging technology that's as convenient as filling up with petrol, a programme to prevent ideological extremism, and the world's first treatment for a rare cause of blindness. Now, we need a Senior Commercialisation Manager / Associate Director to join our team at our vibrant West Cambridge site.

Perks at a glance:

30 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
Class-leading Bupa private medical insurance
Hybrid role with genuine flexible working – including work from abroad for up to 30 days a year in most roles
Generous University pension scheme.
A commitment to personal development including LinkedIn learning.
Family-friendly policies (including enhanced parental leave & childcare benefits, fertility leave, and pregnancy loss leave)
Mental health and well-being support including access to free counselling.
Retail and travel discounts.