Commercial Assistant Manager

We are seeking a Commercial Assistant Manager to join our Business Engagement and Employability department on a 12-month fixed-term basis. This is a key role supporting the University’s Knowledge Exchange ambitions, with responsibility for two strategic portfolios: Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and Research Commercialisation (spin-outs and IP licensing).

The main purpose of the role is to facilitate the successful delivery, growth and governance of these portfolios by developing contractual agreements, supporting collaboration between academic and external partners, and ensuring high-quality project management and stakeholder engagement across a complex and fast-paced environment.

You will act as a central point of contact for KTP projects, working closely with company partners, academic staff, KTP Associates, Innovate UK and other stakeholders to deliver an efficient, professional and customer-focused support service. Alongside this, you will play a pivotal role in progressing the University’s intellectual property pipeline, supporting opportunities through to spin-out formation or licensing agreements, and contributing to REF and KEF outcomes.

Anticipated interview date: Wednesday 12th August 2026

We are looking for a highly organised and proactive professional who can confidently manage a varied portfolio of activity and build strong relationships across academic, commercial and external stakeholder groups.

You will be educated to degree level (or have equivalent professional experience) and bring a solid understanding of the collaborative research and development funding landscape, including the role of organisations such as Innovate UK. Experience of working within or alongside university or funding body submission processes, and coordinating collaborative projects, will be essential to success in this role.

You will have excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects at different stages while working to strict deadlines. Attention to detail will be critical, particularly when supporting contractual agreements, monitoring project performance and ensuring compliance requirements are met.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are central to this role. You will be confident in writing reports, delivering presentations and negotiating with stakeholders, and be able to engage and influence effectively at all levels. As an excellent relationship builder, you will work collaboratively across teams and with external partners to support successful project delivery and commercial outcomes.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

Our Business Engagement and Employability Team focuses on how the University interacts with industry in three key areas: support for our students and graduates to develop and successfully reach their aspirations, linking business to academics and research students to assist with research, knowledge exchange and consultancy, and the provision of skills that are relevant to industry, whether through courses, apprenticeships, CPD or further training.