Commercialisation Manager

The role of the Commercialisation Manager is to support the Head of BDI in delivering Knowledge Exchange, Commercialisation, and Impact Strategies. The successful applicant will bring their own experience, expertise and professional networks to help Earlham to deliver knowledge exchange activities and generate impact.

The main purpose of the job is to drive the commercialisation agenda and play a key role in overseeing various areas of commercialisation operations, including sales support, process optimisation and strategic planning. The job holder will provide support to Institute Technology Platforms and the Faculty in developing a portfolio of commercialisation projects, including the delivery of services, contract research, collaboration with industry, licensing or spin‑out, leading to securing new income.

The job holder will raise awareness of our capabilities and service offerings among relevant external stakeholders through networking, organising visits to the Institute, attending exhibitions, and using online scouting platforms.

The Commercialisation Manager will also lead on developing efficient internal processes for commercial project management and administration, working closely with Technology Platforms, BDI team, and other operational teams.

The role will support the delivery of impact strategies and plans related to commercialisation, work with industry, contribute to developing and maintaining IP portfolio, and support development of the KEC and entrepreneurial skills and culture among EI colleagues.

Internal:
Reporting to the Head of Business Development & Impact, the Commercialisation Manager will be a member of the Operations Division and will work closely with all EI staff, students and collaborators. Key relations include leads of the Institute Strategic Programmes, National Biodciences Research Infrastructure leads, Technology Platforms managers, and executive members. The post holder will work closely with institute support functions such as contracts and finance, industrial partners, funders, and investors.

External:
Enterprise and Business Development champions on Norwich Research Park and other KEC Networks; funding agencies, research councils (e.g. BBSRC, Innovate UK, UK Research and Innovation);
Government departments; local government and charitable organisations; representatives from local and national business organisations; industrial partners and collaborators; investors; other academic organisations.

• Identify opportunities to develop new products and services, technology licensing, and spin‑out, leading to securing new income for the Institute. (20%)
• Develop and maintain a portfolio of external relationships and networks within relevant industry sectors, raising the profile of the institute.
• Promote awareness of the importance of IP protection among EI colleagues and work closely with inventors on IP disclosure and protection processes.
• Lead on the development of efficient internal processes for commercial project management and sales.
• Provide coordination and project management for the delivery of collaborative research and sponsored research projects with industry.
• Diligently record all engagement activities with external stakeholders and KEC/impact activities through internal information management systems.
• Report regularly by producing oral and written reports on complex or detailed specialist information in relation to project and portfolio activity, including on KEC and impact activities, and IP management.
• Support planning and delivery of KEC training events, Industry Seminar Programme, and mentoring, supporting the development of entrepreneurship and commercialisation skills among staff.
• Support impact planning, delivery, and reporting for activities related to commercialisation, working closely with the leads of the Institute Strategic Programmes and National Bioscience Research Infrastructure leads.
• Perform any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post as agreed with line manager.

• Educated to degree level in a biological or life science, or significant and…