Business Incubation Specialist

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £46,735 to £55,755 with potential progression once in post to £62,728. As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 8, salary £52,566

Role Summary

In a time of rapid change and greater digitalisation, today’s graduates understand that these wider changes in society have and will continue to impact their future employment. With graduate opportunities changing, many students are increasingly understanding the benefits of entrepreneurial skills to enhance their futures. Supporting this growing interest has consisted of enterprise education and extra curriculum activity to enhance students’ entrepreneurial skills and growth mindset. For those wanting to progress further, the University has its own dedicated student and graduate incubator, with the annual Elevate programme supporting student and graduate start-ups to create viable new ventures. 

The role of Business Incubation Specialist is vital for the Elevate Programme as it helps emerging entrepreneurs refine their business ideas, create sustainable business models, and navigate their startup journey. The position provides high-quality coaching, mentoring, business advice, and partnership development ensuring efficiency, innovation, and growth throughout the programme.

Main Responsibilities

1. Evaluating Start-ups: Assess and support emerging start-up opportunities from the student and graduate communities, building a diverse and impactful pipeline of viable businesses for the Elevate programme.
2. Business Advice and Coaching: Provide high-quality, one-on-one business coaching, and bespoke support for all founders within the Elevate programme. Tailor advice to meet the unique needs of each start-up, guiding them through business model refinement, growth strategies, and scaling challenges.
3. Programme Design and Delivery: Collaborate with the B-Enterprising Programme Manager to design and deliver the Elevate incubator programme. This includes the creation of workshops, training sessions, and networking events, ensuring they are relevant, impactful, and aligned with the evolving needs of student and graduate entrepreneurs.
4. Training and Mentoring: Ensure all founders have access to the tools, resources, and guidance needed to build sustainable businesses, facilitating business growth, through targeted training, advisory sessions, and mentoring.
5. Networking and Partnerships: Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with external stakeholders in the enterprise ecosystem, including local and national investors, partners, and organisations. Promote their involvement with the Elevate programme, ensuring start-ups have access to a broad network of support and potential collaborations.

Person Specification

• Relevant degree or relevant equivalent professional qualification, in the absence of relevant qualification, substantial relevant experience evidencing the experience required in this role will be considered.
• A strong background in start-ups with proven ability to successful coach early-stage founders, demonstrating experience and expertise in supporting start-ups and/or running one.
• Substantial experience of engaging, and collaborating, with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills that will help to identify and implement improvements and efficiencies across the programme.
• Strategic thinker proactively applying new concepts over a wide range of markets, technologies and business models.

Informal enquiries to Nicola Gittins, email: n.gittins@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

Closes: 11^th May 2025

Advert information