Center Director

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. Opening in early 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.

What You’ll Be Doing

As Centre Director, you’ll be at the heart of a dynamic innovation ecosystem. You will:

• Lead the strategic direction and performance of the centre, ensuring it meets commercial, operational, and community goals.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including our client Cumberland Council, local partners, and the wider innovation network.
• Oversee the delivery of business support programmes, events, and community-building initiatives that help SMEs thrive.
• Manage the centre team, ensuring high standards of service, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Drive financial performance, reporting, and planning to maximise return for both Oxford Innovation Space and Cumberland Council.

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 visionary, people-focused, and commercially savvy. Whether you’ve worked in innovation, business support, coworking, or another customer-led sector, you’ll bring:

• Proven leadership experience in a commercial, innovation, or business support environment.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• A deep understanding of SME needs, economic development, and innovation ecosystems.
• Experience managing budgets, contracts, and operational performance.
• A collaborative, forward-thinking mindset with a passion for supporting business growth.

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 £50,000 per annum, 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 Centre Director.

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.