Director of Business & Operations – West Cumbria Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum fabulous benefits package Benefits: Private Medical Insurance, Health Plan, Electric Vehicle Scheme Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (37.5 hours per week) Flexible This is a rare chance to lead the launch of a brand-new, multi million pound investment project in West Cumbria—a transformational project that will reshape the entrepreneurial landscape of the region. As Director of Business & Operations, you'll be the driving force behind this exciting venture, building a thriving business that supports innovation, economic growth. This isn't just a job—it's a career-defining leadership role where you'll make a tangible impact on your local community while working with a leading business with a presence across the UK. The Role As a Director you'll hold overall responsibility for the strategic, commercial, and operational success of the Cumbria hub operation. Working closely with senior leadership and supported by a multidisciplinary team, you'll cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders, and the wider Cumbrian business community. Your Key Responsibilities Lead the local team to deliver the strategic ambitions of the organisation and build its profile across Cumbria and beyond Act as an ambassador for the business, its customers, and the wider business community Network with influencers (both local and national) to identify collaboration opportunities Deliver marketing strategies to build awareness and generate leads for the centre Manage the pipeline and customer journey, securing sales and future opportunities Generate revenue from various products and identify opportunities for further income streams Work with specialist branding agencies to develop memorable, impactful branding for the business Lead on account and contractual management Ensure compliance requirements are met and deliver on KPIs Oversee financial performance, including monthly billing, revenue collection, and P&L management Identify opportunities to enhance the partnership and deliver expanded services With the support of appropriate colleagues, provide business coaching, strategic support, and specialist consultancy to centre customers Shape and deliver impactful support programmes, workshops, masterclasses, and events Create an integrated approach to engaging with the local business network (universities, colleges, large employers, and business support organisations) Create an inclusive, collaborative environment that supports a diverse customer base Champion sustainability, diversity, and inclusion within the organisation Overall accountability for the financial, commercial, operational, and business support performance of the business Manage recruitment and performance of the team Ultimate responsibility for statutory compliance requirements What We're Looking For Essential Experience & Qualifications Degree-level education or equivalent experience Account management and client relationship development experience Identifiable leadership skills to manage a team effectively Excellent negotiation skills and experience managing multiple stakeholders Experience building strategic partnerships, networks, and relationships Understanding of business needs, stages of growth, and commercial drivers Experience in building a community and encouraging interaction and collaboration Highly Desirable Experience working within an organisation with a focus on business engagement Active presence in the local business ecosystem Experience obtaining public and private funding Key Competencies You You demonstrate resilient leadership through strong self-awareness, approaching challenges with composure and adaptability. You lead with accountability, passion, and ethical clarity that fosters trust and inspires others. The Big Picture You stay strategically aligned with evolving political, economic, and commercial trends. You develop visionary yet actionable plans that drive meaningful progress and long-term success. Your Relationships You build collaborative relationships across and beyond the organisation, fostering a culture of shared purpose and mutual respect. You champion diversity, inclusion, and respectful communication at all levels. Your Results You lead negotiations and complex business deals with confidence and precision. You align policies with long-term ambitions, take calculated risks to drive innovation, and consistently deliver sustained growth through a solution-focused, forward-thinking approach. Foxgroves Recruitment acts as an employment agency for vacancies on behalf of clients, following fair and inclusive recruitment practices in line with the Equality Act 2010. All applications are considered on merit without discrimination, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Recruitment decisions are based solely on skills, qualifications, and ability to perform the role. All appointments are subject to pre-employment screening, including right to work checks, reference checks, and qualification verification. Reasonable adjustments are provided for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.