Business Innovation Advisor

At The Manchester College you will be part of a project that spans the nine fantastic colleges throughout Greater Manchester. This role will be pivotal in the success of the GM Innovation Programme.

The Manchester College is looking to appoint their Business Innovation Advisor on a fixed term (until March 2025), full time (35 hours per week) basis.

Are you ready to pioneer innovation and drive business transformation in Greater Manchester?

As a Business Innovation Advisor (BIA), you'll be instrumental in guiding businesses towards creative solutions, fostering a culture of innovation, and identifying growth opportunities.

This role is funded through the GM FE Innovation Programme, offering a dynamic environment where your insights can shape the future of our community.

Working for The Manchester College you will engage with all types of employers small and large in the borough, to understand their goals challenges and aspirations.

You will provide tailored advice and support to businesses, helping them to develop robust innovation strategies and solutions and connecting them with the specialist support within the GM ecosystem.

As a new post within the FE system, funded through the GM FE Innovation Programme, this dynamic role evolves alongside our growing knowledge and understanding of 'what works'.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Business Innovation Engagement and Advice

Engage with employers across Greater Manchester to understand their goals, challenges, and aspirations.
Provide tailored advice and support to businesses, helping them develop robust innovation strategies and connecting them with specialist support within the GM ecosystem.Business Analysis

Stay abreast of market trends and industry best practices to inform innovative recommendations.
Conduct comprehensive business diagnostic reviews and leverage analytical tools to identify growth opportunities.Idea Generation and Evaluation

Organise workshops and events to stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving.
Evaluate and prioritise innovative ideas based on feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with local business needs.Technology and Digital Transformation

Offer guidance on leveraging emerging technologies and digital tools to enhance operational efficiency and drive business growth.
Identify opportunities for automation, data analytics, and other technology-driven solutions, facilitating access to relevant support services.Cultural Transformation

Champion a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within businesses, encouraging openness to change and new ideas.Other Duties:

Oversee the management of Coordinators and assigned Innovation Centre.In order to be successful in this role you will need the following:

Proven experience in business advisory roles, preferably with a focus on innovation and growth.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret market trends effectively.
Excellent communication and facilitation abilities, with a knack for inspiring creativity and collaboration.
Familiarity with digital tools and technologies relevant to business innovation.
A passion for driving positive change and fostering a culture of innovation within the business community.In return you will benefit from an excellent package including:

35 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (Pro Rata).
significant pension contribution.
Retail Discounts.
Employee Assistance Program.
Cycle to work scheme.
Simply Health scheme care vouchers.The Manchester College is an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community. If you wish to apply for this exciting opportunity, please click on the 'Apply online' button below.

Applicants must demonstrate in their application their ability to meet the key responsibilities, key result areas and Qualifications/Skills and Experience detailed within the role profile.

Salaries are based on skills, qualifications, and experience.

The closing date for this job advert is 08/05/2024. However, sometimes the job advert may close early if we receive a good response!

Interviews will be held in early May.

The LTE group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be required to undergo an appropriate DBS check via the Criminal Records Bureau. Due to the educational aspect of our group some roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and would require an Enhanced DBS check and may be subject to additional online checks as part of our pre-screening process