Technology and Innovation Manager

Job Title:

Technology and Innovation Manager

Posting

Start Date:

22/05/2026

Job

School/Department:
Chemical, Materials & Biological Engineering

Work Arrangement:
Part Time (Hybrid)

Contract Type:
Fixed-term

Closing Date: 21/06/2026

The National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC) seeks a Technology & Innovation Manager (Philanthropy & Facilities Lead) to expand its funding base and broker access to innovation infrastructure. The role involves securing philanthropic investment, establishing partnerships for external facilities, supporting business development, and contributing to NAPIC’s long‑term sustainability.

• Identify, engage, and manage relationships with foundation and philanthropic investors to secure new funding for NAPIC expansion.
• Develop and tailor pitch materials and proposals for philanthropic audiences, articulating NAPIC’s vision and impact opportunities.
• Provide ecosystem and business insights to enhance NAPIC’s business and financial sustainability model.
• Identify and document alternative protein innovation and scale‑up infrastructure across the UK.
• Brokers deals with external innovation facilities and infrastructure owners to facilitate access for NAPIC partners.
• Maintain 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 Collaborative Programme Funding (CPF) calls, embedding opportunities within promotion and delivery plans.
• Represent NAPIC at trade shows, conferences, and networking events to generate leads for partnership and facilities access.
• Assist the Technology & Innovation Manager 1 and Programme Manager with due diligence and risk management on partner relationships.
• Provide market intelligence and strategic ecosystem insight to inform core NAPIC activities, including training courses, policy engagement, and networking events.
• Offer dedicated research and business development support at the University of Sheffield, collaborating with academics and R&I fellows to shape pre‑competitive research projects into successful funding bids.
• Demonstrate agility and personal flexibility, supporting essential centre‑wide tasks to ensure overall success.
• Perform other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as business, engineering, life sciences, innovation management, or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of innovation ecosystems, particularly in alternative proteins, biotechnology, or sustainability.
• Knowledge of philanthropic and research funding landscape, including foundations, UKRI, Innovate UK, and collaborative funding mechanisms.
• Awareness of infrastructure needs for innovation and scale‑up, such as pilot plants, testbeds, and manufacturing facilities.
• Demonstrable experience in business development, partnership development, or fundraising.
• Experience engaging with external stakeholders including industry, investors, and philanthropic organisations.
• Track record of developing proposals, pitch materials, or funding applications.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to build trust and influence stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to long‑term sustainability planning.
• Proactive, self‑motivated, adaptable, and able to work independently and collaboratively to deliver high‑quality outputs.
• Experience planning and delivering events and coordinating external engagements, with willingness to travel as required.

• Minimum of 41 days annual leave, including bank holidays and closure days (pro‑rata) with the option to purchase additional days.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid arrangements.
• A range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out, and travel.
• Access to a variety of staff networks and professional development schemes.
• Paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, fertility treatment, and menopause support.

We are a Disability Confident Leader. 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.