Support innovation. Build relationships. Drive business success.

At Oxford Innovation Space, we create and manage inspiring workspaces where ambitious businesses can grow. With over 35 years of experience and a network of 30+ innovation centres across the UK and Ireland, we support more than 850 SMEs across 35+ sectors. We’re now looking for a part-time, strategic and relationship-driven Business Growth Manager to join our team at the new Workington Innovation Centre.

Opening in early 2026, the Workington Innovation Centre will be a purpose-built hub for digital technology and advanced manufacturing businesses. It will offer flexible, high-quality workspace, meeting and event facilities, and tailored business support. With sustainability at its core and a prime town centre location, the Centre will help drive innovation, attract talent, and grow the west Cumbrian economy.

What You’ll Do

As Business Growth Manager, you’ll play a key role in supporting the growth and success of SMEs within the centre. You will:

• Deliver high-quality strategic business and innovation support to resident businesses.
• Work closely with the Centre Director to attract innovation-driven enterprises and build a strong sales pipeline.
• Develop and coordinate a programme of events, workshops, and community engagement activities.
• Build relationships with local stakeholders, including our client, Cumberland Council, universities, and business support networks.
• Measure and report impact, track customer progress, and contribute to stakeholder reporting.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience supporting SMEs and delivering business support in a commercial or innovation environment.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Understanding of economic development and the role of innovation centres.
• Experience in account management, strategic partnerships, and community development.
• A proactive, collaborative mindset with a passion for helping businesses grow.

Why Join Us?

We offer more than just a job - we offer a place where you can grow, contribute, and make a difference. Our benefits include:

• Salary of up to £40,000 per annum, pro rata, depending on experience
• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, pro rata
• Long-term sickness and life assurance cover
• Flexible benefits package, where you can exchange salary for a range of benefits to suit you:
  
  • Matched pension contributions up to 5%
  • Swap salary for up to a week’s extra holiday or have a bit more salary for taking up to a week less
  • Private medical and dental insurances
  • Health screening
  • Electric vehicle leasing
  • Bicycle purchase
  • Charitable Giving
• Volunteering days to support your community
• Wellbeing days to support your work/life balance
• A flexible, inclusive culture that values your voice

This role is part-time (22.5hrs per week) and we’re happy to discuss suitable working patterns as part of the interview process.

We’ve also got access to a whole load of discounts so you can save money on high street favourites and holiday providers.

Ready to Empower Innovation?

If you’re excited by the opportunity to support a vibrant business community and make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you. Click ‘apply’ today to become our new Business Growth Manager. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, or to find out more information about the role - we would love to hear from you.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply - you might be just the right candidate.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we would advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.