Innovation Pathways Relationship Manager

Opportunity Overview: Relationship Manager, Innovation Pathways (In-Path) Programme

Are you a driven and insightful professional looking to make a tangible impact on the health innovation landscape? This Relationship Manager role within the exciting new Innovation Pathways (In-Path) programme in West Yorkshire presents a significant opportunity for individuals passionate about fostering collaboration and accelerating the development of groundbreaking health technologies.

The In-Path programme is designed to be a catalyst, forging vital connections between academic research and health innovation and digital technology businesses. As a Relationship Manager, you will play a pivotal role in mobilizing the health-tech ecosystem, maximizing impact, nurturing innovation, and bridging the crucial gap between academic discovery and real-world application in the health, care, and wellbeing sectors.

This position is hosted at the University of Leeds, but the scope of your influence extends across the entire West Yorkshire innovation ecosystem, encompassing universities and a broader network of support. You will be one of four Relationship Managers dedicated to promoting the wealth of expertise and support available through university partners (Bradford, Huddersfield, Leeds, and Leeds Beckett) and regional initiatives to drive business innovation and growth.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Impactful Work: Contribute directly to the advancement of health technology and patient care by facilitating crucial collaborations between academia and industry.
• Strategic Development: Play a key role in a new and ambitious programme, shaping its direction and maximizing its impact across a dynamic region.
• Broad Network: Gain exposure to and build relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders, including leading universities and innovative businesses within the health-tech sector.
• Regional Influence: Work collaboratively across West Yorkshire, understanding and leveraging the unique strengths of its innovation ecosystem.
• Flexible Working: The role offers scope for hybrid working and the university is open to discussing flexible working arrangements, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Comprehensive Benefits: The University of Leeds offers a generous benefits package including:
  • A significant amount of annual leave (26 days holiday plus approximately 16 bank holidays/closure days, totaling 42 days).
  • A competitive pension scheme with life assurance.
  • Access to excellent health and wellbeing facilities, including discounted staff membership at "The Edge" campus gym.
  • Opportunities for personal and professional development through dedicated training programs.
  • Additional perks such as on-site childcare, shopping discounts, and travel schemes.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Business Acumen: The success of this role hinges on your ability to deeply understand and articulate the specific needs and challenges of individual businesses, extending beyond academic solutions. A strong track record in this area is essential.
• Ecosystem Knowledge: A thorough understanding of the regional landscape, funding ecosystem, and the various opportunities and interventions that support academic-industry engagement is critical.
• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder management skills are paramount, as you will be building and nurturing relationships with a wide array of individuals and organizations.
• Proactive and Tenacious Mindset: The description highlights the need for a proactive and tenacious individual. This suggests a dynamic environment where initiative and perseverance are highly valued.
• Visa Sponsorship: For international candidates, the role may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a relationship builder and strategic thinker to drive innovation forward. If you are looking to leverage your expertise in a role that offers significant growth potential and the chance to shape the future of health-tech, we encourage you to explore this exciting prospect.