Innovation Ecosystem Manager - CBG x MCR

About the Cambridge × Manchester Innovation Partnership

The Cambridge × Manchester Innovation Partnership (CBG×MCR) is the UK’s first cross-UK innovation alliance, led by the University of Cambridge and The University of Manchester, through Innovate Cambridge and Unit M.

Together, we’re creating a hyper-connected innovation corridor — strengthening networks, accelerating scale-up growth, driving investment into R&D, and attracting new foreign direct investment (FDI) to the UK.

The partnership will amplify each city's strengths, building connectivity between the two ecosystems and unlocking greater collective economic impact.

The Role

We’re looking for a dynamic, connected and collaborative Ecosystem Manager to join Unit M and take a lead role in making the Cambridge × Manchester partnership thrive.

You’ll be bringing together businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers and local stakeholders across both cities. From building communities of practice and running joint events to supporting collaborative innovation projects, you’ll help shape a new model of place-to-place partnership.

This is a role for someone who thrives on relationships, loves bringing people together, and sees opportunity where others see distance.

What You’ll Do

• Lead on community engagement across the partnership — connecting the Manchester and Cambridge innovation ecosystems.
• Build and coordinate vibrant communities of practice, networks and forums around shared challenges and opportunities.
• Design and deliver events, toolkits and programmes that strengthen innovation and entrepreneurial skills.
• Facilitate access to the expertise, resources and capabilities within both ecosystems.
• Communicate successes, opportunities and insights through digital engagement and storytelling.
• Capture impact and feedback to help shape the evolution of the partnership.
• Collaborate closely with your Cambridge counterpart to ensure this unique cross-city partnership continues to grow and deliver results.

About You

You’re a natural connector, skilled communicator and confident facilitator. You’ll bring experience in innovation, research or ecosystem development, with the credibility to work across business, academia and local government.

You’ll also have:

• A proven track record of managing complex, multi-partner projects.
• Deep familiarity with innovation networks — ideally in Manchester, Cambridge, or both.
• Strong organisational and digital engagement skills.
• A collaborative, inclusive mindset and a passion for making innovation accessible to all.

About Unit M

Unit M is The University of Manchester’s new innovation capability — created to unlock the full impact of the University’s research, talent, and assets. We connect people, ideas, and industries to drive inclusive growth and position Manchester as a global innovation powerhouse.

Our values:
Be Future Positive. Be Fierce. Be Fast. Make Things Happen.

Joining Unit M means being part of a team that’s unmistakably Manchester — bold, authentic, and relentlessly ambitious.