Strategic Partnerships Project Manager – 2 posts – (MPLS and BOLD)

Overview

In this role you will lead a portfolio of strategic partnership projects within the MPLS Divisional Office, collaborating with academic leaders and industry partners to move opportunities from initial engagement to delivery. You will shape how partnerships are developed, negotiated and implemented, enabling researchers to focus on science while you drive momentum and cross-organisational collaboration. A key element is supporting the BOLD Lab initiative to build a world-class AI research facility through industry and academic partnerships. This is a rare chance to help create a new partnerships function and influence outcomes at a leading research university.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a portfolio of high-value partnership projects from engagement to delivery
• Collaborate with academic leaders, industry partners and professional services
• Oversee negotiations, contract signatures and transition into delivery
• Provide strong project leadership to maintain momentum and navigate complexity
• Enable academic colleagues to focus on scientific leadership
• Support the BOLD Lab initiative and UKRI-funded AI research collaboration
• Shape the development of the strategic partnerships function across the division

Key requirements

• Degree level or equivalent education
• Significant experience managing complex projects, partnerships or business development with senior stakeholders
• Excellent relationship-building, influencing and communication skills
• Ability to operate across organisational boundaries in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in academic–industry collaboration, research partnerships or innovation programmes (advantageous)

• relationship-building
• influencing
• communication
• project management
• stakeholder engagement
• contract negotiation

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