Centre Director - Oxford Innovation Space : Job Details

Lead a thriving hub of innovation. Empower entrepreneurs. Drive impact.

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 strategic and commercially minded Centre Director to lead our new Workington Innovation Centre and help shape the future of innovation in Cumbria.

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 Centre Director, you’ll be at the heart of a dynamic innovation ecosystem. You will:

• Lead the strategic direction and performance of the centre, ensuring it meets commercial, operational, and community goals.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including our client Cumberland Council, local partners, and the wider innovation network.
• Oversee the delivery of business support programmes, events, and community-building initiatives that help SMEs thrive.
• Manage the centre team, ensuring high standards of service, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Drive financial performance, reporting, and planning to maximise return for both Oxford Innovation Space and Cumberland Council.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven leadership experience in a commercial, innovation, or business support environment.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• A deep understanding of SME needs, economic development, and innovation ecosystems.
• Experience managing budgets, contracts, and operational performance.
• A collaborative, forward-thinking mindset with a passion for supporting business growth.

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 £50,000 per annum, depending on experience
• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• 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

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 Make a Difference?

If you’re excited by the idea of leading a vibrant, purpose-driven centre, we’d love to hear from you. Click ‘apply’ today to be part of something extraordinary and become our new Centre Director. 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.