Head of Operations for Consultancy & Services
EI Grade 9
(£59,301 - £75,114)
The Opportunity:
Edinburgh Innovations Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary company of the University of Edinburgh, responsible for pre-award research support services, management of technology transfer activities, consultancy services, company formation, and company incubation facilities. We are committed to facilitating the University’s research, knowledge and expertise to make impactful contributions to society and the economy.
We are seeking a Head of Operations for Consultancy & Services to join our Consultancy Directorate. This pivotal role is designed to support the EI and University of Edinburgh in doubling its consultancy income by 2030, aligning with the University strategy of reimagining our size, shape and ways of working to secure the long-term future of our university.
The missions of the Consultancy directorate are:
1. To spark innovation - where brilliant minds meet real world challenges, connecting industry leaders with world-class researchers and state-of-the-art facilities
2. Generate commercial revenue for the university and EI
3. To feel proud of the work we do
The Role:
EI provides comprehensive support to all University staff considering undertaking consultancy and service work. We are responsible for facilitating the costing, drafting, reviewing, negotiating and signing of Consultancy and Service contracts and all related documents in-line with university policy and procedures.
The Head of Operations for Consultancy & Services is a new role within the Consultancy Directorate. This is a key appointment to support the business accelerate its next phase of growth. The role reports into the Director of Consultancy and will operate with the directive to an enhance our service offering to our internal and external customers. The role requires an individual and who is comfortable with financial management, process and system optimisation, project management but most importantly a people focused work ethic and communication style.
The role will also sit as part of EIs Operations Leadership Team.
What You'll Do:
Lead and Inspire: Be a driving force on our Consultancy and Operations Leadership Teams, championing our strategic objectives across Edinburgh Innovations.
Drive Consultancy Excellence: Oversee the operational transition to a centralised consultancy function, ensuring strategic alignment and delivering technical leadership and expert advice.
Fuel Growth: With the Director, establish operational structures, such as CRM processes, finance, and communications that support new areas of income and growth
Innovate Income Streams: Work collaboratively to introduce new income avenues, including expert witness services, professional consultancy, and shared service offerings.
Engage and Collaborate: Lead the Consultancy Community of Practice and cultivate partnerships with internal and external networks.
Your skills and attributes for success:
4. Educated to degree standard in a relevant discipline or 5 years demonstratable experience in a similar role at a managerial or expert level.
5. Proven track record of sales and successfully driving income growth
6. Experience in demonstrating financial acumen pricing models and CRM system improvements
7. Expertise in implementing a strategy and associated stakeholder engagement
8. Experience of continuous improvement in performance and service.
9. Experience working within industry and HEI environments.
10. Competency in presenting complex information in a clear and concise manner.
11. Highly motivated, proactive, organised and efficient with significant attention to detail
12. Ability to work in a team to deliver on team targets
13. Excellent influencing skills and ability to successfully network with both academia and industry