Innovation Connector

Job profile

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Job details

Job reference

REQ012633

Date posted

17/07/2026

Application closing date

20/08/2026

Location

Manchester

Salary

£45,000 - £50,000 per annum

Package

Competitive Benefits plus Local Government Pension Scheme

Contractual hours

35

Basis

Full time

Job category/type

Business Development

Innovation Connector

Job description

Help Shape the Future of Innovation, Skills and Economic Growth Across Greater Manchester

We are looking for an ambitious, commercially minded and highly collaborative Innovation Co-ordinators to lead place-based innovation activity across Manchester as part of the Greater Manchester Colleges Innovation Connector Network.

Working closely with employers, local authorities, universities, innovation agencies and community partners, you will act as a key relationship-builder and trusted connector within your borough.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape a more inclusive, innovative and future-ready economy across Greater Manchester.

This is a fixed term (until 31st March 2027), full-time (35 hours per week) role.

About you

We are looking for a proactive and relationship-focused individual who is passionate about innovation, business growth and making a difference within local communities

You will have experience of working with employers, building strong partnerships and identifying opportunities to support growth, productivity and skills development

Confident in engaging a wide range of stakeholders, you will be a natural connector, able to influence, facilitate conversations and translate ideas into practical action

You will be organised, self-motivated and comfortable working independently whilst contributing to a wider collaborative network across Greater Manchester

The Greater Manchester Colleges Innovation Connector Network (ICN) is a collaborative initiative delivered by all nine General Further Education colleges across Greater Manchester, coordinated by GM Colleges.

Funded by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the Innovation Connector Network builds on the success of the GM Further Education Innovation Programme (GMFEIP) and continues to enhance business productivity by fostering the adoption and diffusion of innovation within local enterprises.

Through a borough-based Innovation Hub in each College, Innovation Connectors act as trusted, local intermediaries supporting businesses to improve productivity through adoption of innovations such as Artificial Intelligence and process improvements. The programme contributes directly to the Greater Manchester Strategy 2025–2035, the GM Growth Plan and the Local Skills Improvement Plan, supporting inclusive growth and strengthening innovation capability across all ten boroughs.

To be successful in this role you will need a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Site Information

Our City Centre campus is a flagship site in the heart of Manchester, offering cutting-edge facilities and a buzzing, creative atmosphere. Home to our Centre of Excellence for Creative and Digital Industries, it provides an inspiring setting for both staff and learners, with specialist studios, workshops, and collaborative spaces. With its central location and strong industry links, the campus is a hub for innovation, talent development, and real-world learning.

Who are TMC?

The Manchester College is the Largest Further Education College in the United Kingdom and has the largest provisions for 16-19yrs olds, adults, and higher education in Greater Manchester. We are part of the LTE group that consist of MOL, Total People, UCEN Manchester, Novus, and LTE Group Operations. We currently support more than 25% of Greater Manchester’s learning provision and are currently rated “Good” by Ofsted. The Manchester Colleges offering is bolstered by 18 Centres of Excellence across our campuses, ensuring we give our best and strive to achieve an unrivalled learning experience for our students. We have partnerships with over 1000 industry and employer partners nationally to ensure our students secure their place as the leaders of the future.

Proudly, The Manchester College is also 1 of only 57 organisations nationally recognised with the Princess Royal Training Award 2025, demonstrating our commitment to investing in our people and their development.

Benefits

35 days paid annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (FTE).

3 well-being days per year (FTE).

Significant pension contribution.

Retail discounts.

Employee Assistance Program.

Cycle to work scheme

Role Responsibilities

Please see the attached role profile for an overview of general role responsibilities.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will need:

Minimum of 5 GCSE (Grades A-C/4>) incl. English and Maths

Degree-level qualification, or equivalent experience, in business, innovation, economic development, skills, enterprise or a related field

Able to evidence of continuing professional development relevant to business engagement, innovation, skills, economic development or partnership working

Working directly with businesses to support growth, organisational change, innovation, workforce development, and productivity improvement initiatives.

Identifying organisational needs, diagnose operational or skills-related challenges, and translate findings into effective action plans and solutions.

Ability to work confidently across business support, skills, education, and partnership environments, building collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Using performance dashboards, MIS systems, and data analysis tools to monitor programme delivery, track outcomes, and support continuous improvement.

Producing accurate reports, analysing performance data, and presenting insights and outcomes clearly to a range of audiences, including senior leaders and external partners.

Safeguarding

The LTE Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be required to undergo an appropriate DBS check via the Criminal Records Bureau and may be subject to additional online checks as part of our pre-screening process. Some roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and would require an Enhanced DBS check.

Equal Opportunities Statement

At The Manchester College, we’re committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, bullying, harassment, or victimisation, where all members of our community are treated with respect and dignity. The Manchester College is committed to working in an inclusive way with all the communities where we are geographically located and to developing a workforce and student community that reflects Greater Manchester’s and the UK’s rich diversity and vibrancy.

The closing date for this job advert is 20/08/2026. However, sometimes the job advert may close early if we receive a good response!