ICURe Lead (FTC July 2026)

“Innovation-to-Commercialisation of University Research” (ICURe) is the UK’s leading early-stage research pre-accelerator programme.

Since 2014, Innovate UK ICURe has helped researchers working in UK universities and research establishments to test if their idea could become a spin-out company or licensing opportunity.

Purpose of the Role

Roles & Responsibilities

• Manage the delivery of the ICURe Project partners to agreed targets
• Provide ongoing financial oversight and management of programme resources. Develop programme budgets and manage activity accordingly.
• Facilitate the transfer of knowledge and the development of collaborations between industry and research groups.
• Facilitate networking opportunities for industry to meet with peers and potential collaborators through the organisation of workshops and other meetings etc.
• Understand and facilitate access to Innovation support mechanisms.
• Display and maintain a high level of scientific and technical awareness in a broad range of topics of relevance to the UK capability and industry needs.
• Work with IUK BC Marketing and Communications team to ensure ICURe is engaged and positioned with requisite profile both within and across sectors.

Experience & Skills

Essential Experience

• Significant experience of working in a technical management role
• Experience of leading and developing high performing technical teams across more than one site
• Degree level or demonstrable equivalent experience in a scientific, technical or engineering discipline
• Tangible experience of working between universities and industry
• Track record of delivering projects or programmes to challenging timeframes in a multi-party environment
• A track record of building effective relationships with key stakeholders ideally including research and industry
• Experience of accessing Innovation support mechanisms for businesses and helping develop funding and investment applications.
• Development and management of budgets.
• A track record of effective internal team working to ensure transfer of relevant opportunities.

Skills

• Ability to manage the delivery of the ICURe project management function
• Skilled in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Highly developed facilitation and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills
• Ambassadorial skills and ability to promote the benefits of ICURe
• Financial and commercial acumen
• Advanced networking, workshop and meeting skills
• A strong appreciation of Government considerations in cross-departmental work.
• Scientific and technical awareness in a broad range of topics of relevance to the UK capability and industry knowledge.
• A sound understanding of the research base
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate confidently and build effective relationships
• Team player with good relationship building and influencing skills; enjoys working in a collaborative manner in an open, honest, and diverse environment
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively across multi disciplinary teams and stakeholders, explaining complicated matters simply
• High level of IT literacy

Leadership

• Strong leadership capability with the ability to motivate and inspire others who further partner and collaborate internally and externally
• Ability to look continuously for opportunities for improvement and to develop strategies for change to influence and shape the future direction of the business

Benefits & how to apply

• This is a Grade 4 role with a salary of £50,000 to £55,000
• 28 days annual leave plus 10.5 bank and public holidays
• Enhanced Pension Plan
• Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Wider Wallet employee benefits high street discounts scheme
• Opportunities for continuous professional development as part of our Talent & Development Programme

This is a fixed term contract until July 2026.

This advert will close on Friday 27th June.

Interviews will be held w/c 30th June and/or 7th July.

Please apply by submitting a tailored cover letter outlining your suitability with specifics relating to the requirements of the role, and your CV outlining your experience.

Applicants must have the existing and ongoing right to work in the UK without restrictions as sponsorship for visas is not provided. Unfortunately, owing to the high number of applications received, we can only provide feedback to applicants selected for interview.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

Should you wish to discuss this opportunity further, please contact the Recruitment Team by email at recruitment@iukbc.org.uk.

Innovate UK Business Connect strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where we can all be ourselves. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry: people of colour, LGBTQ+ community, women, disabled people, people of any age or family status. We know that diversity makes us stronger and we strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to removing barriers for individuals with conditions, illnesses or disabilities and we will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, and in their future role.

If you would like to request any reasonable adjustment, for any part of the recruitment process (including application), please let us know by emailing recruitment@iukbc.org.uk.

About Innovate UK Business Connect

We connect ideas, people, and communities to drive innovation that changes lives.

Innovation is complex. The journey from idea to market is not straightforward and requires a diverse range of know-how, investment, market knowledge and research. Innovate UK Business Connect exists to connect innovators with new partners and new opportunities beyond their existing thinking – accelerating ambitious ideas into real-world solutions.

The future holds both challenges and opportunities. We are passionate about working with innovative businesses to overcome these challenges and shape the opportunities and solutions that follow.

Our vision is to create a network of innovators so powerful its ideas will change the world.

While business is at the heart of our work, our diverse connections span government, funders, research and the third sector. This unrivalled overview and connectivity enable us to be a trusted guide through a complex global landscape of research, development, and innovation.