Job Title: Technology and Innovation Manager
Posting Start Date: 22/05/2026
Job Id: 2581
School/Department: Chemical, Materials & Biological Eng
Work Arrangement: Part Time (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Closing Date: 21/06/2026
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a Technology & Innovation Manager to join the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC). NAPIC is a £38 million initiative, including a £15 million investment from UKRI, established to lead the UK’s alternative protein knowledge and innovation ecosystem. With a vision to make alternative proteins mainstream for a sustainable planet, NAPIC brings together world-leading expertise from the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Imperial College London, and the James Hutton Institute, alongside a network of over 150 national and international partners.
The Technology & Innovation Manager (Philanthropy & Facilities Lead) is a critical role within NAPIC, responsible for expanding the Centre’s funding base and brokering access to innovation infrastructure. The postholder will lead efforts to secure philanthropic investment and establish partnerships that enable access to external facilities, thereby contributing to the long-term financial sustainability and operational capability of the NAPIC ecosystem. Acting as a key relationship manager for a defined segment of partners, the role will provide market intelligence and support strategic partnership development, including contributions to collaborative funding applications. The role also includes protected time dedicated to business development activities for NAPIC at the University of Sheffield.
By applying you are agreeing that we can share your information with partners at the University of Leeds as part of the short-listing and interview process.
Main duties and responsibilities
Lead the identification, engagement, and relationship management of foundation and philanthropic investors to secure new, additional funding for expansion of NAPIC's activity.
Develop and tailor pitch materials and proposals specifically for philanthropic audiences, articulating NAPIC's vision and impact opportunities.
Contribute ecosystem and business insight to the development of NAPIC's overall business and financial sustainability model.
Lead the identification and documentation of alternative protein innovation and scale-up infrastructure across the UK.
Lead the brokering of deals with external innovation facilities and infrastructure owners, facilitating access for partners and collaborators across NAPIC’s ecosystem, positioning the Centre as a critical facilitator and enabler.
Provide and maintain a high level of technical expertise and act as a key relationship manager for a defined segment of the Centre's partner ecosystem, particularly those involved in providing or accessing innovation facilities.
Support partnership building for the Collaborative Programme Funding (CPF) calls, working with the Programme Manager to ensure partnering opportunities are embedded within the promotion and delivery plans.
Grow NAPIC's reputation and brand-recognition through high quality professional communication and representation at targeted trade shows, conferences, and networking events, specifically focusing on generating leads for partnership and facilities access opportunities.
Support the Technology & Innovation Manager 1 and Programme Manager in conducting due diligence and managing risk on new and existing partner relationships, providing any necessary input and follow-up.
Provide ongoing market intelligence and strategic ecosystem insight to inform the development of core NAPIC activities, including training courses, policy engagement and networking events.
Provide dedicated research and business development support for NAPIC at the University of Sheffield, working with NAPIC academics and R&I fellows to build partnerships, shape pre-competitive research projects into successful funding bids, and manage research agreements.
Demonstrate agility and personal flexibility, readily supporting essential centre-wide tasks to ensure overall success within the constraints of a small, startup-scale team.
Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Stage(s) assessed at
Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field ( e.g., business, engineering, life sciences, innovation management, or related discipline)
Application
Strong understanding of innovation ecosystems, particularly in areas such as alternative proteins, biotechnology, or sustainability
Application and interview
Knowledge of philanthropic and research funding landscape ( e.g., foundations, UKRI, Innovate UK, collaborative funding mechanisms)
Application and interview
Awareness of infrastructure needs for innovation and scale-up ( e.g., pilot plants, testbeds, manufacturing facilities)
Application and interview
Demonstrable experience in business development, partnership development, or fundraising
Application and interview
Experience engaging with external stakeholders ( e.g., industry, investors, philanthropic organisations)
Application and interview
Track record of developing proposals, pitch materials, or funding applications
Application and interview
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences ( e.g., philanthropic, academic, industry)
Application and interview
Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to build trust and influence stakeholders
Application and interview
Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to long-term sustainability planning
Application and interview
Proactive, self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work independently and collaboratively to deliver high-quality outputs
Application and interview
Experience in planning and delivering events and coordinating external engagements ( e.g., workshops, conferences, stakeholder visits), with willingness to travel as required
Application and interview
Further Information
Grade
7
Work arrangement
Part-time (0.6FTE)
Duration
01.07.2026 until 11.08.2029
Line manager
Professor Tuck Seng Wong (Professor of Biomanufacturing)
For informal enquiries about this job, please contact:
Professor Tuck Seng Wong, Deputy Co-Director of NAPIC & Professor of Biomanufacturing: on t.wong@sheffield.ac.uk
Or
Professor Louise Dye, Co-Director of NAPIC & Professor of Nutrition and Behaviour: on l.dye@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in June 2026. This will consist of an interview and a presentation summarising past experiences and achievements. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage 2 weeks following the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process, you can contact Jennifer Miller ( j.miller@sheffield.ac.uk ).
A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
A range of generous family-friendly policies
paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
access to menopause support in the workplace
paid time off and support for fertility treatment
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision ) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
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