Innovation Space Manager - Unit M

About Unit M:

Launched in Autumn 2024, Unit M exists to unlock the University's full potential as one of the North of England's largest innovation assets by making the University's world class research, innovation capabilities and talent more accessible to all.

It's remit is to accelerate the development of a global competitive, inclusive and impactful innovation ecosystem - from ideation and research translation, start up and scale up support, place making, talent and skills, community building and more - which systematically breaking down barriers to the flow of ideas between the University and its partners. Unit M is expected to attract, generate and mobilise significant external funding - from industry, investors, philanthropy and public sources - to sustain and scale innovation activity and create new, sustainable funding streams.

Some of the things you might find yourself doing include:

• Take operational responsibility and accountability for the day-to-day operation of William Kay House as a shared working, meeting, and convening environment.
• Act as the primary point of contact for building-related operational matters, liaising with Estates, IT, Security, Health & Safety, and other central University services.
• Monitor building functionality and address operational issues proactively, resolving routine matters independently, applying judgement, and escalating where appropriate.
• Oversee access arrangements, space usage, meeting rooms, and shared facilities to ensure effective and appropriate use.
• Provide line management for administrative staff as the team grows, including day-to-day supervision, task allocation, and performance oversight, fostering a high-performing and collaborative team environment.
• Provide a professional and welcoming front-of-house presence for senior University leaders, external partners, and visitors.
• Manage and prioritise activity across Unit M teams and co-located partners, balancing competing priorities and supporting effective collaboration within a shared space.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, acting as the operational lead for William Kay House-related engagement.

What You’ll Bring:

• Proven experience in an office management, professional services operations or service management role within a complex organisation.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders and external partners.
• Confidence in coordinating recruitment administration, procurement processes, and events activity.
• Ability to exercise initiative, apply judgement, and improve operational processes.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and coordinate across teams.

It is expected that this role is predominantly campus based (minimum four day a week)

What You’ll Get:

• 29 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and December closure days
• Generous pension scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Access to a wide range of staff benefits, including discounts, wellbeing support, and development programmes

Explore full benefits: www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here

For informal enquiries please contact Emma Jones [email protected]