Overview

Manchester Metropolitan University is currently recruiting a Senior Business Engagement and Partnerships Manager on a full time basis, initially for a fixed-term period of two years.

The successful applicant will act as the inaugural Head of Business Engagement and Partnerships for the Institute for Children\'s Futures (ICF), on a 0.5 full time equivalent (FTE) basis. The ICF brings together communities of researchers, practitioners and policy makers. In doing so, it will establish a critical mass of research power to support evidence-based policy and practice and to identify trends and patterns which affect children\'s futures. More information can be found on the ICF website.

The remaining 0.5FTE of the role will be spent providing strategic direction and support for other business engagement and partnerships activity at the University.

Responsibilities

• You will provide strategic direction and support for business engagement and partnerships activities, aligned with the University\'s priorities. You will develop and deliver operational plans to ensure strategic goals are realised.
• You will be an active member of Senior Management, involved in decision-making and collaborating with academic and professional services colleagues, including senior leaders, across the University.
• You will proactively identify and develop strategic opportunities and help secure and maintain partnerships which build reputation and profile, and drive income generation and financial sustainability. You will have excellent relationship building skills and be committed to strong governance and risk management.
• You will actively support the University\'s ambition for the ICF to be recognised as a centre of research excellence in the field of children and young people.

About You

• We are seeking an individual with a strong interest in children\'s rights, social impact and inequalities, who has a track record of developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with external organisations.
• You will be comfortable developing and managing a portfolio of partners, from the identification of potential collaborations through to the activation of targeted outcomes.
• You will be someone who thrives in a collaborative and networked environment, and you will be comfortable working within a matrix management structure. You will have experience working strategically in a busy and fast-changing environment, managing several activities in parallel.
• You will have strong communication and influencing skills, including with senior leaders, and will have previous experience of involvement in strategic decision-making. You will be able to represent the University with confidence and credibility when engaging with a wide range of senior internal stakeholders and with existing and potential external partners.
• Previous experience of developing collaborative propositions, business plans and commercial agreements is essential, as is an understanding of the key issues facing higher education. Experience of operating within the higher education sector or a research-intensive or policy-focused environment is desirable.

How to apply

Please apply via our recruitment system, submitting your CV along with a two page expression of interest to outline how you meet the person specification, why you wish to apply for the role, the contributions you would bring and your priorities for the next two years.

If you would like further information, or to arrange for an informal discussion about the role, please contact alex.byars@mmu.ac.uk

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.