Faculty Strategic Project Manager

FEPS Faculty Admin

Location:  Guildford

Salary:  £45,585 to £54,395 per annum depending on experience  

Fixed term contract until 31/03/2026

Post Type:  Full Time

Closing Date:  23.59 hours GMT on Friday 23 February 2024

Reference:  006324

Over the last four decades, the University of Surrey has been a pioneer in changing the economics of the global space sector by largely expanding the accessibility of space and increasing the scale and range of benefits in science and technology.

We are ambitiously embarking on a new space era at the University of Surrey that will meet the opportunities and challenges in the coming decades, such as space and AI, telecommunications, social, legal, cyber, robotics, environment, medical, life science and policy.

The University of Surrey will also be a central part of the government’s research and innovation agenda in the South Centre region of Surrey and Hampshire, which is home to up to 25% (£4.2bn) of the UK’s current Space business turnover.

The role

Reporting to the Director of Faculty Operations this is an exciting time to join the University and support the delivery of the University’s research and innovation strategy for the Space sector, including the creation of a new pan-University Space Research Institute.

• Act as service provider to the Director of Faculty Operations and the Director of Space Strategy playing a leading role in the creation of a business case for the establishment of a new pan-University Space Research Institute.
• Develop an innovation strategy for the University’s relationship with key industry sectors, including the regional Space cluster, specifically, but not exclusively, with the Space and Aerospace sectors linking to the creation of a new pan-University Space Research Institute.
• Identify and establish new collaboration opportunities; lead the development of partnership strategies for major academic Centres / strategic projects in the field of Space within the University.
• Represent and promote the University externally; establish and maintain relationships at senior management and Board levels.
• Ensure the University’s strategies and targets for Space related Research Partnerships are constructed with due consideration to the priorities of key national and regional partners such as Space UK, UKSA, County Councils, LEPs and space clusters.
• Key account management of industry partners and stakeholder relationships in the field of Space.
• Work across functions and Departments to contribute to the development of proposals, oversee collaboration agreements and leverage networks. 
• Liaise with University academic colleagues and external partners on complex matters including IP, commercially sensitive objectives, the political landscape and emerging technology/service trends.
• Lead the organisation of events, workshops etc. aimed at developing relationships (both internally to the University of Surrey, regionally, locally and internationally).

About you

• Experience of Corporate Account Management/Relationship Management in HE / industry R&D.
• Experience of working in Engineering and Physical Sciences and/or with the Space and Aerospace sectors.
• Significant relevant market/sector awareness.
• Experience of building collaborations, and growing income.
• Experience of working on tenders/contracts.
• Experience of negotiating at a senior level.
• Project Management skills.

How to apply

Please attach your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience meets the essential criteria.

Informal approaches can be made to the Director of Space Professor Adam Amara at a.amara@surrey.ac.uk 

Further details:    Job Description    

For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the 'apply online' button above.

In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate , flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all.  We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community.  Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.