Enterprise Executive

Purpose of Role

An exciting role of Enterprise Executive is now available in the Converge team based at the Business and Enterprise Directorate of Heriot-Watt University.

The Converge Enterprise Executive will be responsible for delivery of enterprise support and activities to aspiring academic entrepreneurs from Scottish universities. The primary purpose of this role is to support the restructuring of the Converge programmes from 2027. The post holder will contribute to the development of a new training framework, content, and building of partnerships to support the restructured programmes.

With a background in supporting commercialisation of research and/or student entrepreneurship, you will have excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to network effectively; excellent written and oral communications skills; and a proven ability in innovation-related project development and management. The role will require flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends and at various locations across universities.

Key priorities will include:

• Project managing framework construction of the KickStart Challenge for early-stage business ideas
• Development of training content for the KickStart Challenge
• Project managing framework construction and supplier procurement for the Converge Challenge programme
• Supporting delivery of the Converge programmes and other activities

The posts reports to the Deputy Director of Converge.

About the Team

Converge isthe leading enterprise support organisation working in partnership with Scottish Universities and Research Institutes. We work with Universities and entrepreneurs to help nurture innovative ideas and develop the entrepreneurial skills and mindset of staff, students and recent graduates. Converge provides high quality training and practical support to help develop fledgling businesses into investor ready companies. The programme helps to refine and accelerate the pipeline of spin-outs and start-ups from Scottish Universities and Research Institutes.

Converge delivers a real value to the Scottish economy by supporting the brightest thinkers of our age.

Converge has a highly motivated team that is dedicated to delivering the best possible experience to our academic entrepreneurs and ensuring that we provide best value to our stakeholders.

Education, Qualifications & Experience

Expected to demonstrate relevant professional experience including:

• An understanding of the needs of early-stage entrepreneurs
• Experience of working in partnership with different stakeholders
• Proven ability to manage own workload to ensure goals are met
• A good understanding of and the ability to use a range of software (word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, email, PowerPoint).

Essential

• Relevant higher education degree
• Spinout, start-up or small company advising/management/development experience
• Experience in the successful development and delivery of presentations and workshops (e.g. public speaking, enterprise workshops or lectures)
• An understanding of academic values and the ability to win the confidence and support of the academic community
• Experience co-ordinating activity across organisations
• Good communicator, adept in building relationships with key stakeholders and managing expectations
• Positive and friendly demeanour, with the ability to maintain respectful working relationships with students, staff and alumni from diverse backgrounds
• Understanding of business idea validation tools, such as Business Model Canvas, and matters surrounding company creation

Desirable

• Proven experience of reviewing and writing business plans
• Working knowledge of Scotland’s enterprise network – its components and interaction
• Proven project management experience
• Experience of commercialisation of academic research