Business Innovation Advisor

Greater Manchester Colleges are looking to appoint several Business Innovation Advisors (BIA)

Based at one of our nine fantastic colleges throughout Greater Manchester, they will be pivotal in the success of the GM Innovation Programme.

Oldham College is looking to appoint their Business Innovation Advisor.

Are you ready to pioneer innovation and drive business transformation in Greater Manchester?

As a Business Innovation Advisor (BIA), you'll be instrumental in guiding businesses towards creative solutions, fostering a culture of innovation, and identifying growth opportunities.

This role is funded through the GM FE Innovation Programme, offering a dynamic environment where your insights can shape the future of our community.

Working for Oldham College, you will engage with all types of employers small and large in the borough, to understand their goals, challenges, and aspirations.

You will provide tailored advice and support to businesses, helping them to develop robust innovation strategies and solutions and connecting them with the specialist support within the GM ecosystem.

As a new post within the FE system, funded through the GM FE Innovation Programme, this dynamic role evolves alongside our growing knowledge and understanding of 'what works'.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Business Innovation Engagement and Advice

• Engage with employers across Greater Manchester to understand their goals, challenges, and aspirations.
• Provide tailored advice and support to businesses, helping them develop robust innovation strategies and connecting them with specialist support within the GM ecosystem.

Business Analysis

• Stay abreast of market trends and industry best practices to inform innovative recommendations.
• Conduct comprehensive business diagnostic reviews and leverage analytical tools to identify growth opportunities.

Idea Generation and Evaluation

• Organise workshops and events to stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving.
• Evaluate and prioritise innovative ideas based on feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with local business needs.

Technology and Digital Transformation

• Offer guidance on leveraging emerging technologies and digital tools to enhance operational efficiency and drive business growth.
• Identify opportunities for automation, data analytics, and other technology-driven solutions, facilitating access to relevant support services.

Cultural Transformation

• Champion a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within businesses, encouraging openness to change and new ideas.

Other Duties:

• Oversee the management of Coordinators and assigned Innovation Centre.

In order to be successful in this role you will need the following:

• Proven experience in business advisory roles, preferably with a focus on innovation and growth.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret market trends effectively.
• Excellent communication and facilitation abilities, with a knack for inspiring creativity and collaboration.
• Familiarity with digital tools and technologies relevant to business innovation.
• A passion for driving positive change and fostering a culture of innovation within the business community.

Join us in shaping the future of Greater Manchester's business landscape. If you're ready to make a real difference and drive meaningful impact, apply now to become a vital part of our dynamic team!

Interviews will be held mid-March with a view to starting in April 2025.

Training for these positions will be held at the end of April 2025.

These positions are initially for a fixed term until March 2026.

Joining our Journey:

When you join the college, not only will you benefit from an excellent salary but have access to numerous benefits and facilities:

• Generous Pension Scheme
• Fantastic Staff Benefits and Rewards platform
• Very generous holiday entitlement
• Employee Assistance Scheme

If your application is successful, your personal data may be used for a pre-employment screening check by a third party as permitted by applicable law.

Greater Manchester Colleges are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.

Any appointments will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and a check of the DfE Barred List.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation Act 1974. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and vulnerable adults.

Further details can be found in the attached Job Description and Person Specification.