Do you want to use your experience to manage equity investments in new high growth companies? University of Birmingham Enterprise Ltd is looking for a talented and persuasive individual with proven ability to create value from the University’s equity share in its portfolio of spinout companies.
The University of Birmingham is one of the most ambitious institutions in the UK and we are determined to be placed in the global top 50, with investment and strategic plans in place to enable us to achieve our objectives. We are also working closely with other Midlands universities to change the investment climate in this region and attract up to £300m of new funding for early-stage businesses.
This is an exciting time to join the University of Birmingham Enterprise Ltd team. Currently fourth in the UK for the identification and protection of Intellectual Property (IP) we have a full ‘pipeline’ of emerging spinout opportunities and an existing portfolio of spinout companies valued at £200m. These companies attracted £70m of third-party investment over the last four years (Birmingham ranked 7th in the UK for spinout investment raised in 2018), which is a testament to their quality. We have also made an initial £5m available for our own active investment in early-stage spinout companies.
Managing both the investment and growth of this internal £5m ‘fund’, and the University’s existing shareholdings in all its spinout companies, the Equity Manager position will have a high profile within the University’s portfolio of companies as well as in the broader venture fund investment community. She/he will be closely involved in the progression of the companies and have the skills necessary to assist, influence and negotiate with stakeholders including other investors. From time to time, the individual will be asked to join some of the spinout boards as the University’s appointed non-executive director, or observer.
In order to be considered for this role you will need to demonstrate how you have previously identified and dealt with the performance of companies and boards, as well as experience in developing realistic commercial plans that justify investment. This is a role that demands excellent interpersonal and reporting skills. Preferably, the individual will have experience in negotiating and structuring investment deals.
University of Birmingham Enterprise Limited offers a competitive salary and employment package including a bonus scheme. Employees are also eligible to use the University’s facilities such as the Sports Centre and Library. To register your interest in this role, and to find out more, please see the full job description at:
For informal inquiries, please contact Dr James Wilkie, Chief Executive Officer, University of Birmingham Enterprise Ltd at j.h.wilkie@bham.ac.uk
If you are interested in applying for this Equity Manager post please email a 2 page CV together with a 1 page covering letter explaining why you would like to work for University of Birmingham Enterprise and showing how you meet the above job criteria to: m.kaiser@bham.ac.uk
Closing date: 19th August 2019
Additional details about the University of Birmingham and its Enterprise activities can be found at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/enterprise