Innovation Centre Manager

We are seeking an Innovation Centre Manager to play a key role in managing Medway Innovation Centre and Medway Innovation Studios supporting businesses and the economy of Medway.

You will be required to manage all aspects of the Innovation Centre Medway (ICM) and Innovation Studio Medway (ISM). This will include maximising sales, marketing, tenant contracts and management, budget management, monitoring, P&L and invoicing, procurement, property and contractor management, data centre IT, team management, tenant management and operational running of the ICM café. You will liaise with stakeholders in a way that promotes the vision and values of the Council

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. If successful, the salary you will be offered will be at level B unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level C. If appointed at level B there will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level B to C.

When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.

The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:

Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.

Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.

Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

This level attracts a salary that is mid-point of the range. You will have related experience and be able to demonstrate applied and developed knowledge, experience and skills to be effective in this role. All elements of level A and B listed within the person specification are essential. You will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.

Accountabilities and outcomes:

To maximise the revenue generated from all sources related to the ICM and ISM, ensure that expenditure levels and profit targets are met and within the Council’s budgeted forecasts.

To ensure service levels provided to ICM and ISM tenants and visitors remain at a high level, looking to improve processes and drive change improvements.

To direct and manage the centres and the team, undertaking all line management functions including performance and development reviews and recruitment when needed.

To manage all operational aspects of the ICM and ISM, including the reception, café, data rooms, property maintenance, phone systems, presentation technology, procurement, tenant contract issue and management, sales and marketing and contractors to ensure the buildings remain safe and operational.

To provide tenant support, answering queries, solving issues, finding flexible answers to their challenges whilst providing a confidential supportive approach to their business challenges and opportunities. To support, promote and facilitate business support services to tenants working closely with the Council Economic Development team.

At the discretion of the Head of Service, such other activities as may from time to time be agreed consistent with the nature of the job described above.

Key Corporate Accountabilities:

You will work with colleagues to achieve service plan objectives and targets. To understand and actively keep up to date with GDPR responsibilities, including completing regular refresher training. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility: all employees are required to act in such a way that safeguards the health and well-being of children and vulnerable adults.

To participate in the Performance Appraisal process and contribute to the identification of own and team development needs utilising the Career Development Framework. To actively promote the Council's Fair Access, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and observe the standard of conduct which prevents discrimination taking place.

To ensure full compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Council's Health and Safety Policy and all locally agreed safe methods of work. To fully understand and be aware of the commitment to the duty under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to prevent crime and disorder.

Promote the Medway Carbon Neutral by 2050 commitment; supporting the Council action plan to ensure we play our part in addressing the climate emergency.

Interviews will be held 11 November 2025

If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please call Anne Knight on anne.knight@medway.gov.uk

Important Information-

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile

For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.

Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.