Head of Exchange

Location: West Midlands (Hybrid – 2 days on-site)

Are you a leader who thrives at the intersection of industry, innovation, and social impact? A leading "anchor institution" in the West Midlands is seeking a dynamic leader to spearhead its Knowledge Exchange (KE) and Enterprise agenda.

Following a period of significant investment and the formation of a unified Research and Enterprise Directorate, now 60-strong. This is a pivotal moment to join. We aren’t just looking for a manager; we are looking for a high-visibility ambassador to "put us back on the map" by bridging the gap between world-class expertise and real-world application.

As the Head of Knowledge Exchange, you will lead a high-performing team of specialists across business development, IP, commercialisation, and strategic partnerships. This isn’t a role for someone who wants to sit behind a desk; it’s for an active operator who can navigate complex political landscapes and drive commercial growth.

• Strategic Leadership: Devising and implementing a KE strategy that aligns with a bold 2035 vision for green innovation, health, and inclusive communities.
• Commercial Growth: Driving income through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), spin-outs, licensing, and CPD.
• Regional Diplomacy: Acting as a key link between the organization and external bodies like Chambers of Commerce, Combined Authorities, and City Councils.
• Team Empowerment: Managing a diverse team of six direct reports, providing the "added value" leadership that inspires confidence and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
• Performance Insight: Utilizing CRM and Power BI dashboards to track metrics against the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) and HEBCI.

You are a hybrid. Someone with the technical grip on Intellectual Property and commercialisation, but the emotional intelligence to lead a team of experts. You don't need to be an academic, in fact, this is a pure professional services leadership role
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• The "Player-Coach" Mentality: You are comfortable toggling between high-level strategy and hands‑on problem solving.
• Exceptional Influencer: You possess the diplomacy and tact to build relationships with senior stakeholders, from CFOs to Lead Academics.
• KE Expert: You have a proven track record in university‑business engagement, IP management, or regional development.
• Resilient & Ambitious: You are comfortable with ambiguity and have the "grit" to recover from setbacks in a fast-paced environment.

• Stability & Growth: Join a directorate that has tripled in size in just two years.
• Tangible Legacy: Lead projects like the "Green Innovation Corridor" and local "City Offers" that directly transform the regional economy.
• Collaborative Culture: Work within a team that values being inclusive, accountable, and ambitious.