Business Growth Manager

At Oxford Innovation Space, we create and manage inspiring workspaces where ambitious businesses can thrive. With over 35 years of experience and a growing network of innovation centres across the UK and Ireland, we support more than 1,000 SMEs across 35+ locations.

Our centres are more than just buildings – they’re buzzing communities of entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers. We’re excited to announce a vacancy for an Business Growth Managers to join our brand-new state-of-the-art innovation hub in Workington. Opening in Spring 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.

Find out more about Workington Innovation Centre here: The Innovation Centre | Cumberland Council

This role is part-time (22.5hrs per week) and we’re happy to discuss suitable working patterns as part of the interview process.

What You’ll Be Doing

As Business Growth Manager, you’ll play a key role in supporting the growth and success of SMEs within the centre. You will:

• Deliver high-quality strategic business and innovation support to resident businesses.
• Work closely with the Centre Director to attract innovation-driven enterprises and build a strong sales pipeline.
• Develop and coordinate a programme of events, workshops, and community engagement activities.
• Build relationships with local stakeholders, including our client, Cumberland Council, universities, and business support networks.
• Measure and report impact, track customer progress, and contribute to stakeholder reporting.

Want the full picture? Please see the attached job description for more details on what the role involves.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who’s strategic and relationship-driven. You’ll bring:

• Experience supporting SMEs and delivering business support in a commercial or innovation environment.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Understanding of economic development and the role of innovation centres.
• Experience in account management, strategic partnerships, and community development.
• A proactive, collaborative mindset with a passion for helping businesses grow.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We offer more than just a job - we offer a place where you can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful. Here’s what you can expect:

Salary: Up to £42,000 per annum, pro-rata, depending on experience, plus discretionary bonus.

Time off: 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays.

Flexible benefits: Options to swap salary for extra benefits, including additional holiday

Wellbeing: Wellbeing days, Employee Assistance Programme, and health resources

Perks: Discounts on high street brands, EV leasing, cycle to work scheme, and more

Development: Full induction, buddy system, and ongoing learning opportunities

Culture: A supportive, inclusive team that values your voice and ideas

Purpose: A chance to make a real difference in the lives of entrepreneurs and growing businesses

Ready to Apply?

If this sounds like your kind of role, we’d love to hear from you. Click ‘Apply’ to join us as our new Business Growth Manager.

Got questions? Reach out - we’re happy to chat.

We’re Committed to Inclusion

We’re building a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply - you might be just the person we’re looking for.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we’ve received sufficient applications, so apply early to avoid disappointment.