Ordnance Survey (OS) is one of Britain's most impactful technology and data companies, providing location data across the public and private sector. Our data is part of everyday life, with the average person benefitting from it 40 times a day.
Geovation is part of OS and works with startups to push the boundaries of what is possible with location data. Our Farringdon hub is a vibrant space where first-time founders collaborate with experienced entrepreneurs and geospatial specialists. We host events, encourage creativity, and help build the next generation of data-driven applications through our programmes and challenges. We do this to generate insights for the OS product team and grow future markets for location data.
At Geovation you can make a real difference, develop your skills, and help ideas, businesses and people grow.
About the Role
As Ecosystem Lead, you'll grow the impact of the Geovation Ecosystem-connecting innovators, unlocking insights, and shaping the future of location data. You'll be the face of the community and lead a small team. You'll work closely with partners across government, industry, and the startup community to build a vibrant, inclusive network that delivers value to OS and its customers.
In this role, you will:
Lead the development, delivery and expansion of the Geovation ecosystem ensuring alignment with Geovation and OS's goals
Manage and grow strategic partnerships and investor relations, to strengthen the ecosystem's value.
Oversee the management of the community and development of the member offer including the creation of inclusive community events.
Optimise revenue streams from membership, consultancy, and space usage, meeting annual targets.
Represent Geovation and OS externally, building high-impact relationships across government, commercial networks, and international communities.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to evolve the ecosystem's shape and focus, ensuring it reflects emerging trends and OS priorities.
Play a role in surfacing and sharing insights from the community that are relevant to OS's products and the wider use of location data.
About you
We're looking for a strategic and entrepreneurial leader who understands how to build and grow innovation communities. You'll bring deep experience in supporting startups, developing partnerships, and creating inclusive spaces that foster collaboration and insight. You'll be excited by working across sectors and passionate about unlocking the potential of location data through diverse networks. You see leadership as much more than management and are passionate about developing and empowering people and shaping your impact through your many influences and interactions. No specific formal qualifications are seen as essential for this role with experience and knowledge being more important.
We're looking for someone who has:
A strong understanding of the needs of startup founders and the supporting ecosystem, particularly in tech and geospatial.
Excellent knowledge and experience of innovation processes and the role of startups in shaping new markets and generating insights.
A proven ability to build strategic partnerships across public and private sectors, with a track record of pitching and negotiating mutual benefits
An entrepreneurial mindset with a bias toward action, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
Strong leadership experience and potential, including leading by example in a hands-on, community-focused environment.
Demonstratable experience managing and growing innovation ecosystems, membership bodies, or communities.
Experience as a thought leader, with a history of publicly communicating ideas, insights, and trends.
Here is a snapshot of the technologies that we use:
MS Office, ClickUp, Nexudus, Slack, Canva, Copilot
The Rewards
We want you to love what you do. That is why our benefits package rewards a job well done. Check out how we support and invest in our employees by following the 'Apply' link to our career site
Location:
London based, with a minimum of 3 full days in the Geovation Hub in Farringdon.
Some weeks will require more than this (e.g. 5 days) and there may be a requirement to attend events outside of office hours.
Security
OS conducts pre-employment checks for anyone made an offer of employment, including identity, right to work, employment history and criminal record checks (via Disclosure & Barring Services (DBS).
Closing date: Tuesday 28th October at 23:59
Please include a cover letter with your application briefly detailing what your experience and skillset would bring to this role?
Unfortunately, we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role, therefore you must have the right to work in the UK, without the need for employer sponsorship.
We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that people may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any during the application process.