Overview
We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a Technology & Innovation Manager to join the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC). NAPIC is a £38 million initiative, including a £15 million investment from UKRI, established to lead the UK’s alternative protein knowledge and innovation ecosystem. With a vision to make alternative proteins mainstream for a sustainable planet, NAPIC brings together world-leading expertise from the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Imperial College London, and the James Hutton Institute, alongside a network of over 150 national and international partners.
The Technology & Innovation Manager (Philanthropy & Facilities Lead) is a critical role within NAPIC, responsible for expanding the Centre’s funding base and brokering access to innovation infrastructure. The postholder will lead efforts to secure philanthropic investment and establish partnerships that enable access to external facilities, thereby contributing to the long-term financial sustainability and operational capability of the NAPIC ecosystem. Acting as a key relationship manager for a defined segment of partners, the role will provide market intelligence and support strategic partnership development, including contributions to collaborative funding applications. The role also includes protected time dedicated to business development activities for NAPIC at the University of Sheffield.
By applying you are agreeing that we can share your information with partners at the University of Leeds as part of the short-listing and interview process.
Main duties and responsibilities
Lead the identification, engagement, and relationship management of foundation and philanthropic investors to secure new, additional funding for expansion of NAPIC's activity.
Develop and tailor pitch materials and proposals specifically for philanthropic audiences, articulating NAPIC's vision and impact opportunities.
Contribute ecosystem and business insight to the development of NAPIC's overall business and financial sustainability model.
Lead the identification and documentation of alternative protein innovation and scale-up infrastructure across the UK.
Lead the brokering of deals with external innovation facilities and infrastructure owners, facilitating access for partners and collaborators across NAPIC’s ecosystem, positioning the Centre as a critical facilitator and enabler.
Provide and maintain a high level of technical expertise and act as a key relationship manager for a defined segment of the Centre's partner ecosystem, particularly those involved in providing or accessing innovation facilities.
Support partnership building for the Collaborative Programme Funding (CPF) calls, working with the Programme Manager to ensure partnering opportunities are embedded within the promotion and delivery plans.
Grow NAPIC's reputation and brand-recognition through high quality professional communication and representation at targeted trade shows, conferences, and networking events, specifically focusing on generating leads for partnership and facilities access opportunities.
Support the Technology & Innovation Manager 1 and Programme Manager in conducting due diligence and managing risk on new and existing partner relationships, providing any necessary input and follow-up.
Provide ongoing market intelligence and strategic ecosystem insight to inform the development of core NAPIC activities, including training courses, policy engagement and networking events.
Provide dedicated research and business development support for NAPIC at the University of Sheffield, working with NAPIC academics and R&I fellows to build partnerships, shape pre-competitive research projects into successful funding bids, and manage research agreements.
Demonstrate agility and personal flexibility, readily supporting essential centre-wide tasks to ensure overall success within the constraints of a small, startup-scale team.
Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field (e.g., business, engineering, life sciences, innovation management, or related discipline)
Strong understanding of innovation ecosystems, particularly in areas such as alternative proteins, biotechnology, or sustainability
Application and interview
Knowledge of philanthropic and research funding landscape (e.g., foundations, UKRI, Innovate UK, collaborative funding mechanisms)
Application and interview
Awareness of infrastructure needs for innovation and scale-up (e.g., pilot plants, testbeds, manufacturing facilities)
Application and interview
Demonstrable experience in business development, partnership development, or fundraising
Application and interview
Experience engaging with external stakeholders (e.g., industry, investors, philanthropic organisations)
Application and interview
Track record of developing proposals, pitch materials, or funding applications
Application and interview
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences (e.g., philanthropic, academic, industry)
Application and interview
Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to build trust and influence stakeholders
Application and interview
Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to long-term sustainability planning
Application and interview
Proactive, self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work independently and collaboratively to deliver high-quality outputs
Application and interview
Experience in planning and delivering events and coordinating external engagements (e.g., workshops, conferences, stakeholder visits), with willingness to travel as required
Application and interview
Further Information
01.07.2026 until 11.08.2029
Professor Tuck Seng Wong (Professor of Biomanufacturing)
School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering | CMBE | The University of Sheffield
For informal enquiries about this job, please contact:
Professor Tuck Seng Wong, Deputy Co-Director of NAPIC & Professor of Biomanufacturing: on
[email protected]
Or
Professor Louise Dye, Co-Director of NAPIC & Professor of Nutrition and Behaviour: on
[email protected]
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in June 2026. This will consist of an interview and a presentation summarising past experiences and achievements. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage 2 weeks following the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process, you can contact
Jennifer Miller (
[email protected]).
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().
What we offer
A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
Generous pension scheme.
A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
A range of generous family-friendly policies
paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
access to menopause support in the workplace
paid time off and support for fertility treatment
and more
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
