Job detail for AVID Research and Business Engagement (RBE) Officer

The purpose of the role is to support businesses in the Greater Manchester region and beyond to accelerate innovation in advanced materials systems. The RBE Officer will play a crucial role in engaging businesses on projects, both in the provision of advice and in managing the transition to assessment and through translating innovation and connecting regional businesses to national supply chain needs. Key advanced materials themes include, but are not limited to advanced fibres, sustainable polymers, digital manufacturing and materials for the hydrogen economy. The role will have considerable focus also on supporting the operational delivery of the Sustainable Materials Manufacturing Centre (SMMC), engaging prospective tenants and users, coordinating visits and onboarding activities, and developing a pipeline of businesses that can access SMMC facilities, expertise and innovation programmes to support innovation and growth across the Atom Valley cluster.

The post holder will work closely with the wider University research Institutes and centres (i.e. Royce/GEIC/Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub) and consortium partners’ technical and research teams to support businesses primarily SMEs throughout their journey. The RBE Officer will be line managed by the Business Development Manager at the Henry Royce Institute and will report also to the Principal Investigator on the grant.

The role will be primarily based at the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC), currently under construction at the Atom Valley Innovation District in Rochdale, with occasional travel to the UoM campus and partner sites as appropriate. Until the opening of the SMMC in mid-2027, the role will be based at the UoM campus.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key support role at the intersection of academia, industry and local government, helping to accelerate innovation and enable inclusive economic growth.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we unfortunately may not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to .people@manchester.ac.uk

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Michelle Ledward, Business Development Manager or Jill Brown, Programme Manager

Email: Michelle.ledward@manchester.ac.uk or jill.brown@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: .people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

0161 850 2004 https://.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.