Job Description
About the University and Innovate Surrey Ltd
The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. We are ambitious and have a bold vision - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world - which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.
Innovate Surrey Ltd (ISL) is a key part of the Research and Innovation (R&I) Directorate and is a subsidiary company of the University. ISL's mission is to support the delivery of the University's Vision 2041 by translating and commercialising university research into impactful technologies and commercial solutions that address key societal challenges.
About the Innovation Support Officer role
ISL is seeking a highly organised, proactive and adaptable Innovation Support Officer to join ISL. Reporting to the Senior Project Officer (Innovation) and the Managing Director of ISL, you will provide vital administrative, project, and financial support to the wider ISL team. You will work within the Innovation Support Office, which delivers key services across the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research & Innovation (PVCRI) portfolio.
This role would suit someone who thrives in a fast paced, collaborative environment and enjoys supporting innovation from behind the scenes. You will be confident managing a varied workload, able to work with minimal supervision, and comfortable juggling competing priorities while maintaining excellent attention to detail. Success in this role relies on the ability to work with minimal supervision while managing a diverse workload with competing deadlines.
Key responsibilities include:
- Technology Transfer Support: Supporting various stages of the technology transfer lifecycle through data collation, analysis, and reporting.
- Financial Support: Processing orders, forecasting, and budget monitoring.
- Innovation Event Planning & Coordination: Planning and managing internal events and workshops, including guest coordination.
- Marketing & Communications: Crafting content for newsletters and social media and managing digital assets and websites.
- Information Management: Maintaining technology transfer pipeline databases and ISL KPI metric databases with high accuracy.
- Office Management: Managing the MD's diary, arranging travel, taking minutes, and handling general inquiries.
About you
The successful candidate will have relevant administrative, project or operational experience, ideally gained within a complex organisation such as a university, research environment or innovation led setting. Strong IT skills are essential, particularly in Microsoft Office, alongside experience of database management, reporting or financial administration. Excellent communication skills and a customer focused mindset are key, as you will work closely with academics, professional services colleagues and external partners. A natural problem solver, you will bring initiative, sound judgement and a flexible approach to supporting projects, people and processes that help translate research into real world impact. Above all, we are seeking someone who is motivated by continuous improvement, enjoys working collaboratively, and is keen to contribute to a mission driven team supporting game changing innovation.
You will need:
- Planning Expertise: Good planning and organizing skills, with the flexibility to respond positively to unforeseen problems or changing requirements.
- Financial Oversight: Experience in processing orders, forecasting, and budget monitoring.
- Effective Communication: The ability to communicate confidently with people at all levels, ensuring a professional image of ISL is always maintained.
- Technical Accuracy: Proficient IT skills (MS Office) and experience with database entry, ensuring the accuracy of KPI metric databases.
- Qualifications: HNC, A level, NVQ 3, or equivalent with relevant experience, or broad vocational experience in similar roles.
What we can offer
In addition to salary, you will receive:
- Yearly incremental pay rises.
- Generous annual leave (25 days holiday, 7 university closure days, and 8 bank holidays).
- A generous pension and access to world-class leisure facilities on campus.
- Supportive family-friendly benefits, including an excellent on-site nursery.
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
How to apply
To apply complete the online application form. You may also submit a full CV and cover letter explaining your suitability for the role in no more than two pages if you wish. You should include specific detail about how you meet the essential criteria stated in the person specification, including core competencies. Please note a CV submitted without the online application form will not be accepted.
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Jim Shaikh, Managing Director
The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.
Further details
Job Description
