Technology and Innovation Manager

Job Title:

Technology and Innovation Manager

Posting

Start Date:

22/05/2026

Job

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…