Commercialisation and Intellectual Property Manager
| Posting date: | 16 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £46,049 to £56,535 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 15 February 2026 |
| Location: | Northampton, Northamptonshire |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | University of Northampton |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | UN5445 |
Summary
About the Job
Interview Date: 26 February 2026
Commercialisation of our research is of increasing importance to the University of Northampton as we respond to the drive for universities to realise greater socio-economic benefits and impact on our communities. This post is to play a lead role in delivering the University’s IP & Commercialisation ambitions. This includes supporting, training and providing expert guidance to academic and professional service staff to develop a growing pipeline of IP-based commercialisation, building on research and enterprise activities across the University. You will also be involved in supporting the University’s REF and KEF submissions as appropriate. You will be expected to ensure the efficient and effective running of commercialisation projects and lead on engaging the University’s faculties, institutes, and professional services in identifying intellectual property with potential for commercial development.
There are some exciting opportunities already within our pipeline and this is your opportunity to see these through to fruition and develop new proposals.
We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.
About You
You will have a good understanding of the current position and future direction of commercialisation within the university sector and be adept at interpreting, analysing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner. You will have a proven track record of coaching academics to deliver successful IP based commercialisation activity, including patenting processes and intellectual property management, including IP licencing and spinout negotiations. You will have knowledge of financial procedures relating to external commercialisation related funding and experience of supporting successful funding or investment applications. You will have demonstrable experience in developing networks across multiple sectors including the private, public, and civil sectors.
To fulfil this post we need someone who is both a team player but can also act on their own initiative and is confident in leading on projects. You will need to be an excellent communicator with interpersonal skills to meet the needs of a variety of stakeholders. The post will require excellent organisational and time-management skills alongside the ability to work to strict deadlines, with good attention to detail. You will also need the entrepreneurial ability to recognise commercial opportunities and manage multi partner expectations with discretion.
Qualifications
Essential;
- First degree or relevant professional experience
- Training in intellectual property
Directorate of Research & Knowledge Exchange
You will be joining a Directorate of Research and Knowledge Exchange. This Directorate will comprise of the Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise team, Research Support Service, Research Support, the Graduate School and the Institutes of Public Safety and Criminal Justice and Social Impact and Innovation.
This Directorate works closely with the Faculties, Institutes and Professional Services to support and deliver the University’s research and knowledge exchange ambitions including the commercialization of research and enterprise activities. The Directorate oversees the University’s REF and KEF submission and supports aspects of the TEF submission.
You will have the opportunity to join relevant professional bodies and training support of your post.
About Us
At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.
Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.
Right to Work
All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process.
Equality
We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.
The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.
Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion
Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.
UON’s Major Commitments:
- Disability Confident
- Standalone Pledge
- IHRA Working Definition
Interview Date: 26 February 2026
Commercialisation of our research is of increasing importance to the University of Northampton as we respond to the drive for universities to realise greater socio-economic benefits and impact on our communities. This post is to play a lead role in delivering the University’s IP & Commercialisation ambitions. This includes supporting, training and providing expert guidance to academic and professional service staff to develop a growing pipeline of IP-based commercialisation, building on research and enterprise activities across the University. You will also be involved in supporting the University’s REF and KEF submissions as appropriate. You will be expected to ensure the efficient and effective running of commercialisation projects and lead on engaging the University’s faculties, institutes, and professional services in identifying intellectual property with potential for commercial development.
There are some exciting opportunities already within our pipeline and this is your opportunity to see these through to fruition and develop new proposals.
We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.
About You
You will have a good understanding of the current position and future direction of commercialisation within the university sector and be adept at interpreting, analysing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner. You will have a proven track record of coaching academics to deliver successful IP based commercialisation activity, including patenting processes and intellectual property management, including IP licencing and spinout negotiations. You will have knowledge of financial procedures relating to external commercialisation related funding and experience of supporting successful funding or investment applications. You will have demonstrable experience in developing networks across multiple sectors including the private, public, and civil sectors.
To fulfil this post we need someone who is both a team player but can also act on their own initiative and is confident in leading on projects. You will need to be an excellent communicator with interpersonal skills to meet the needs of a variety of stakeholders. The post will require excellent organisational and time-management skills alongside the ability to work to strict deadlines, with good attention to detail. You will also need the entrepreneurial ability to recognise commercial opportunities and manage multi partner expectations with discretion.
Qualifications
Essential;
- First degree or relevant professional experience
- Training in intellectual property
Directorate of Research & Knowledge Exchange
You will be joining a Directorate of Research and Knowledge Exchange. This Directorate will comprise of the Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise team, Research Support Service, Research Support, the Graduate School and the Institutes of Public Safety and Criminal Justice and Social Impact and Innovation.
This Directorate works closely with the Faculties, Institutes and Professional Services to support and deliver the University’s research and knowledge exchange ambitions including the commercialization of research and enterprise activities. The Directorate oversees the University’s REF and KEF submission and supports aspects of the TEF submission.
You will have the opportunity to join relevant professional bodies and training support of your post.
About Us
At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.
Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.
Right to Work
All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process.
Equality
We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.
The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.
Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion
Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.
UON’s Major Commitments:
- Disability Confident
- Standalone Pledge
- IHRA Working Definition
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.