Head of Innovation Ecosystem

Head of Innovation Ecosystem

Final date to receive applications: 13 September 2026

Department: Growth, Business and Skills

Employment Type: Permanent
- Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Compensation: £55,949 - £59,907 / year

• Hours: 37 hours per week (full time)
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: Grade 12 – £55,949 to £59,907
• Location: Sheffield (hybrid working)

South Yorkshire is a region with world-class research, pioneering businesses and ambitious plans for growth. At SYMCA, we’re working to create the conditions that enable innovation to thrive, helping businesses adopt new technologies, commercialise ground-breaking ideas and scale for success. This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in developing an innovation ecosystem that delivers real economic impact across the region.

As Head of Innovation Ecosystem, you will work at the heart of regional growth, bringing together businesses, universities, investors, government bodies and innovation partners to strengthen collaboration and unlock opportunities. You’ll help ensure South Yorkshire remains a competitive, connected and forward-looking region, capable of attracting investment, securing funding and supporting businesses to innovate and grow.

Interviews will be held
- Wednesday 30th September
- In person

This is a strategic leadership role for someone who is passionate about turning ideas into impact. You will lead the development of programmes, partnerships and initiatives that connect innovation with economic growth, helping to create an environment where businesses can access support, embrace new technologies and achieve their ambitions. Working with senior stakeholders across the public, private and academic sectors, you'll influence regional priorities, secure investment opportunities and ensure South Yorkshire continues to strengthen its position within the UK’s innovation landscape.

In this role, you will:

• Build and strengthen relationships across business, academia, government and the wider innovation community to create a connected and collaborative ecosystem.
• Lead high-profile innovation programmes that deliver tangible benefits for businesses and communities across South Yorkshire.
• Identify and secure new funding opportunities that support innovation, business growth and economic development.
• Act as an ambassador for South Yorkshire, raising the profile of the region and creating opportunities for investment, partnership and collaboration.
• Provide strategic advice, insight and evidence to support decision-making and future innovation policy development.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

You will be a collaborative and commercially minded leader who enjoys bringing people together to solve complex challenges and create opportunities for growth. You'll be equally comfortable developing strategy, influencing senior stakeholders and rolling up your sleeves to turn ideas into action. Passionate about innovation and regional development, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible difference to South Yorkshire's economy.

We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience of leading and delivering innovation, business growth, economic development or related programmes.
• A proven ability to build and maintain effective partnerships across businesses, academia, government and funding bodies.
• Strong programme and project leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the credibility to engage senior stakeholders and represent South Yorkshire at a regional and national level.
• Experience of…