Innovation Connector

ABOUT OLDHAM COLLEGE

Oldham College is one of the largest further education providers in Greater Manchester, supporting thousands of students each year to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need for their future.

We work closely with local employers, universities, and community partners to deliver education and training that meets the needs of our region. Our staff play a vital role in creating a supportive, inclusive environment where students and colleagues can thrive.

Every role at the College contributes to helping people achieve their potential.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Oldham College is seeking a proactive and commercially aware Innovation Connector to support the delivery of the Greater Manchester Colleges Innovation Connector Network across the Borough of Oldham.

This exciting role will focus on engaging businesses, particularly SMEs, and supporting them to improve productivity, adopt innovation, and connect into the wider Greater Manchester innovation ecosystem. Acting as a trusted advisor and honest broker, you will build strong relationships with employers, business networks, local stakeholders, and innovation partners to help businesses access the right support, skills, and opportunities for growth.

Working collaboratively across the GM Colleges network, you will contribute to the delivery of strategic innovation and economic growth priorities across Greater Manchester while supporting local employers through workshops, events, diagnostics, referrals, and partnership activity.

This is a varied, externally-facing role suited to someone with strong relationship-building skills, commercial awareness, and a passion for supporting business growth and innovation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

In this role you will:

• Build and maintain relationships with businesses, stakeholders, and partners across the Borough of Oldham and Greater Manchester.
• Provide advice, guidance, and referrals to businesses to support innovation adoption, productivity, and growth.
• Deliver business engagement activity including workshops, events, networking sessions, and outreach activity.
• Develop action plans and maintain accurate records, reporting activity and impact against agreed KPIs and funder requirements.
• Collaborate with the wider Innovation Connector Network to share best practice and contribute to Greater Manchester-wide innovation initiatives.
• Carry out duties in line with College policies and procedures, including safeguarding and equality commitments

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in business, innovation, enterprise, economic development, or a related field.
• Proven experience building relationships with employers, stakeholders, and external partners within business support, skills, or economic development environments.
• Strong communication, influencing, and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and engage a wide range of audiences.
• Experience supporting businesses with growth, innovation, workforce development, or productivity improvement activity.
• Good understanding of innovation, employer engagement, and business support, alongside strong digital skills including Microsoft Office and Teams.

WHY JOIN US

We offer a supportive working environment with opportunities to develop and progress. Benefits include:

• 49 days’ holiday, supporting work–life balance, including 30 bookable days plus bank holidays, efficiency days, and Christmas closure
• Pension contributions of 16.8%
• Free counselling and wellbeing support
• Retail discounts through our benefits platform
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Paid special leave
• Training and development opportunities
• Free breakfast Fridays
• On-site facilities including canteens and a day nursery
• Free parking and electric car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme

INCLUSION AND FLEXIBILITY

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

We support the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving personnel, veterans, and military families.

Flexible working options may be available depending on the role.

SAFEGUARDING

The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

This role is subject to pre-employment checks, which may include an enhanced DBS check, DfE barred list check, online searches, and references.

It is a criminal offence under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 to apply for regulated activity roles if barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

USE OF AI IN APPLICATIONS

We recognise that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their application. If you do use AI, please ensure the information you submit accurately reflects your own skills, experience, and achievements. You may be asked to discuss your application during the recruitment process.

HOW TO APPLY

Please review the job description and person specification and submit your application by the closing date.

Join us and be part of a College where together, we invest in your future.