Local Innovation Partnership Fund Programme Director

Overview

As Programme Director, you will lead AIM-HI – LIPF to build industry partnerships, co-create open platforms, and drive income growth for AI-enabled materials chemistry initiatives. You’ll oversee delivery, governance, and performance across multiple platforms, collaborating with academic and professional services teams to deliver KPIs for commercial impact and regional economic growth. The role offers strategic influence on innovation in AI materials and opportunities to shape industry engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and overall management of the AIM-HI – LIPF programme and its platforms
• Develop and manage projects to support industry partnerships and income generation
• Coordinate delivery teams and governance boards; monitor progress and report to stakeholders and funders
• Drive achievement of commercial income and growth KPIs; align academic capabilities with partner needs
• Interface with senior academics and external partners to advance strategic collaborations
• Collaborate with institutional Partnerships and Enterprise teams to ensure cross-functional alignment
• Demonstrate excellent communication and project management to identify and realise new partnership opportunities
• Navigate a matrix management structure across academic and professional services groups
• Represent the programme to internal and external stakeholders to maximise impact

Key requirements

• Experience in establishing and managing strategic partnerships and collaborations between academia, industry and public sectors
• Proven ability to lead delivery teams, manage governance bodies, and report on project performance
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills at senior levels
• Understanding of research and innovation landscapes and the interface between public and business sectors
• Ability to operate in a matrix management environment across diverse teams

• Excellent communicator
• Strategic thinker
• Collaborative mindset
• Project management
• Partnership development
• Governance and oversight

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