innovation lead/senior lecturer

Location

High Wycombe

Contract Type

Secondment

Salary Range

£44,746 - £56,535

Hours per week

37

Closing Date

03/12/2025

Ref No

1924

Full Time (37hrs per week)

Secondment from 5 January months)

Location: High Wycombe

Salary - £ 56,535 (H43)

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That's why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.

Our University's DRIVE values and are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission.

The BNU Innovation Hub is a flagship initiative designed to position Buckinghamshire New University as a regional leader in enterprise, innovation, and civic engagement. Acting as a dynamic interface between academia and industry, the Hub connects students, staff, alumni, and local businesses through consultancy, CPD, applied research, and entrepreneurship support.

We are seeking Innovation Lead/Senior Lecturer to lead the strategic development and operational delivery of the Hub. This is a unique opportunity to shape a high-impact programme that integrates enterprise-based learning into the curriculum, drives regional economic growth, and enhances student employability.

What we offer:

• a generous holiday entitlement (35/30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• training & development support opportunities
• contributory pension scheme
• discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
• a range of staff discounts with major retailers.

Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.

Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.

Please click here to view our employee handbook.

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University's values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For further information about this role please contact Dr Leah A Fox

All applications are to be made in full and online.

BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU's workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to [People Team) if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you

We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

Closing Date: Wednesday 3 December 2025

Interview Date: Wednesday 10 December 2025

If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.

JOB DESCRIPTION

To be used in alignment with our Academic Charter and Career Pathways

Job Title: Innovation Lead/Senior Lecturer (1 year secondment)

College: College of Leadership and Innovation

Grade: H43

Location: High Wycombe

Responsible to: Associate Dean (Research/KE) or Designated person

Job Purpose:

To lead the strategic development and operational delivery of the BNU Innovation Hub, embedding enterprise and innovation into the curriculum and driving impactful research and knowledge exchange activities. The postholder will deliver an outstanding student experience through live consultancy projects, entrepreneurial pathways, and applied learning, while fostering strong partnerships with industry and civic bodies to enhance graduate outcomes and regional economic growth. The role will champion inclusivity and collaboration, ensuring the Hub becomes a welcoming, high-trust environment for students, staff, and partners.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

The BNU Innovation Hub is a flagship initiative designed to position Buckinghamshire New University as a regional leader in enterprise, innovation, and civic engagement. Acting as a dynamic interface between academia and industry, the Hub connects students, staff, alumni, and local businesses through consultancy, CPD, applied research, and entrepreneurship support.

We are seeking Innovation Lead/Senior Lecturer to lead the strategic development and operational delivery of the Hub. This is a unique opportunity to shape a high-impact programme that integrates enterprise-based learning into the curriculum, drives regional economic growth, and enhances student employability.

Strategic Leadership & Academic Integration

• Provide academic oversight and ensure enterprise and innovation activities are embedded across UG and PG programmes.
• Lead curriculum development for enterprise modules and live consultancy projects.
• Drive applied research opportunities aligned with KEF and REF priorities.

Project Management & Operational Delivery

• Oversee the implementation of the BNU Innovation Hub across its four phases: foundation, activation, expansion, and scale-up.
• Manage timelines, and resources to deliver against KPIs.
• Coordinate physical and digital infrastructure, including the Brunel Engine Shed hub space and online platforms.

Industry & Civic Engagement

• Build and maintain partnerships with SMEs, councils, chambers of commerce, and regional networks
• Develop and deliver CPD courses in leadership, AI, sustainability, and crisis management.
• Represent BNU at regional forums and showcase events to strengthen visibility and reputation.

Student Experience & Talent Development

• Coach and mentor students involved in enterprise projects, consultancy, and start-up activities.
• Facilitate internships, placements, and alumni engagement to enhance graduate outcomes.
• Create a welcoming, high-trust environment for students to explore business ideas and develop entrepreneurial skills.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience in project management within higher education or enterprise environments.
• Strong academic background with the ability to teach and lead curriculum development
• Demonstrated success in building industry partnerships and delivering income-generating activities (e.g., CPD, consultancy).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and deliver measurable impact against KPIs.

Line management responsibilities:

• Line management responsibilities including recruitment and selection, performance management, professional development, motivation, health & safety and wellbeing. [LW1] [LF2]

PERSON SPECIFICATION

A = Application T = Test/Presentation I = Interview

Education, Qualifications & Training

Means of Testing

First degree in a relevant field

A

Doctoral level qualification (or working towards) or equivalent professional experience in enterprise, innovation, or leadership

A/I

Recognised HE teaching qualification and/or Fellow of the HEA or evidenced commitment to achieving within two years

A

Knowledge & Experience

Expert knowledge in enterprise, innovation, or related discipline

A/I

Delivering quality learning and teaching to students/learners

A/I

Evidence of applied research and/or consultancy projects with measurable impact

A/I

Contribution to research active communities

A/I

Delivering excellent student/customer experience

A/I

Demonstrated ability to deliver excellent student experience and employability outcomes

A/I

Knowledge/experience of income generation OR funded projects

A/I

Experience of research supervision, personal tutoring or personal development

A/I

Skills

Highly effective stakeholder engagement , sales and customer service skills

I

Strong project management and organisational skills

A/I

Highly effective customer service skills

A/I

Ability to coach and mentor students and SMEs in enterprise contexts

I

Special Requirements

A willingness and ability to work in off-site locations and across all University campuses, as required

A/I

A willingness and ability to contribute to University Open Days (which may fall on Saturdays)

A/I

Delivering Excellent Service

Making every contact count by providing the best quality service to all our customers (Internal

Customers, Students and all our Stakeholders). Building genuine and open long-term relationships in

order to improve customer services.

Working Together

Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others in order to achieve objectives.

Recognising a valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Engaging with the wider context

Enhancing your contribution to the University through an understanding of organisational values, its students, customers and stakeholders.