Accelerator Manager

Manchester changed the world once. With Unit M, we’re ready to do it again through a new kind of university innovation: faster, more connected, and more inclusive.

From a university that shaped the industrial age, to a team building what comes next, the University of Manchester has been redefining what’s possible for nearly 200 years. From splitting the atom to founding the modern computer, our legacy of innovation runs deep.

Today, we’re not just looking back. We’re building forward.

Unit M is the University’s new innovation unit a bold, future-focused initiative designed to turn world-class research and talent into real-world impact. We’re here to supercharge start-ups, forge transformative partnerships, and unlock new paths for economic and societal growth. And we’re looking for an Accelerator Manager to help us lead that charge.

The Role:

As Accelerator Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in designing and delivering Unit M’s portfolio of high-impact start-up accelerator programmes. These initiatives support some of the UK’s most exciting early-stage ventures in fields like deep tech, AI, health innovation, sustainability, and more.

You’ll combine strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, shaping programme content, guiding founders through growth journeys, and cultivating the investor, mentor, and corporate relationships that make innovation happen.

This is a rare opportunity to lead from the centre of a world-class university, working across public and private sectors to drive real change: regionally, nationally, and globally.

What You’ll Do:

• Design and deliver accelerator programmes that help early-stage ventures grow, raise investment, and enter new markets
• Guide and mentor founders, offering insight into business models, growth strategies, and commercialisation paths
• Curate a powerful network of mentors, investors, and partners to drive value across each programme
• Build strategic relationships with corporates, funders, innovation networks, and policymakers
• Lead high-quality events from hands-on workshops to inspiring demo days and investor showcases
• Manage programme impact through smart data collection, reporting, and continuous improvement
• Establish and lead a high-performing team, embedding a collaborative, mission-driven culture

What You Bring

• Proven experience delivering accelerator or enterprise programmes within innovation ecosystems
• Strong knowledge of research commercialisation, venture building, and start-up scaling challenges
• A confident communicator and connector across academic, investor, and corporate audiences
• A strategic mindset with a bias for action - someone who can both think big and get things done
• Leadership and team-building experience, ideally in fast-paced or complex environments
• A passion for innovation, impact, and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs

Why This Role, Why Now?

This is your opportunity to help shape how a civic university delivers economic growth and social value, by enabling bold ideas, supporting visionary founders, and building the innovation infrastructure of the future.

You won’t just be joining a team. You’ll be helping to define a movement.

Join us. Let’s build what’s next.

Apply today to be part of Unit M.

What You’ll Get

We offer a generous package including:

• A competitive salary and one of the most generous pension schemes in the sector.
• 42 days of annual leave (including public holidays and Christmas closure).
• Excellent hybrid working opportunities and a commitment to flexible working.
• Access to leading wellbeing and fitness services, including on-campus facilities.
• Development opportunities tailored to your growth and interests.
• Staff discounts, cycle schemes, family support, recognition awards and more.

This is more than a role. It’s an opportunity to shape secure futures for one of the UK’s most innovative, inclusive, and impactful universities.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now and help us shape what comes next.

As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Arran Collinge

Email: arran.collinge@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.