Centre Manager

We're excited to offer an opportunity for an experienced Centre Manager to lead our Innovation Centre on the University of Essex's Knowledge Gateway. The centre provides flexible offices, coworking spaces, and meeting rooms tailored for modern businesses and entrepreneurs.
This key role focuses on enhancing the centre's commercial success through marketing, sales, community engagement, and operational excellence. Operated by Oxford Innovation Space, the centre is part of a UK-wide network supporting start-ups, high-growth SMEs, and public sector partners with workspace and business support services.
Background:
The Centre Manager will report to the Commercial Manager (South) and will be supported by an Assistant Centre Manager, Customer Experience Assistant and an Innovation Director. The Centre Manager should expect to work directly and closely with the Commercial Manager South and other members of the senior management team.
Major objectives of the role:
Profile and Reputation:
Act as a figurehead for the Innovation Centre locally, regionally and nationally, creating success, selling and marketing the product offering whilst enhancing its reputation for excellence
Relationship and Account Management:
Cultivate the working partnership between Oxford Innovation and University of Essex (our client and building owner), along with other partners to identify and develop areas of collaboration and joint initiatives
Operational Excellence:
Deliver a world class service to the Innovation Centre community in facilities, support and collaborative connections and the training and development of centre staff
Commercial Excellence:
Overall management control and accountability for the financial and commercial performance of the centre, and to deliver all aspects of sales, marketing, and operational activities for the centre to attract new customers and ensuring the retention of existing occupiers.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Financial
Overall accountability for all areas of financial management including accurate monthly billing, revenue collection (including debt management) and financial reporting, demonstrating a good understanding of P & L reports and managing costs.
Compile financial targets across all revenue lines with close management of expenses against budget
Drive income and control cost lines in the business within budgetary guidelines, ensuring delivery against budget expectations and centre contribution to OI Space.
Compile and present accurate annual budgets and relevant forecasting with recommendations on price increases, proposed local strategies, to include any CAPEX (capital expenditure) requirements and recommendations on OPEX (operational expenditure) cost savings.
Research, recommend and implement potential areas where additional revenue can be generated.
Present lettings and additional services revenue and renewal plans as required
Prepare and present detailed commercial performance reports in line with company and contractual requirements.
Team Development
Team management, to include Assistant Centre Manager, Reception staff and temporary cover
Manage recruitment and coaching of the Centre Management team in the required standards of performance and service levels to ensure that the centre achieves the minimum operational standards set by the Company
Motivate the centre team in all areas of self-development via the company's training opportunities, regular 1:1's and appraisals, ensuring they are up to date with all company processes and procedures.
Sales and Marketing
Promote available space and generate revenue through all centre offerings
Maximise exposure and income by hosting industry events and targeting new markets
Work with the Innovation Director to attract and retain customers, promote support services, and support events
Network with key stakeholders and identify potential clients
Collaborate with the Marketing Team on collateral and campaigns
Recommend and implement local marketing initiatives
Identify new revenue opportunities and promote Oxford Innovation Space services
Build a vibrant entrepreneurial community and stay engaged with client needs
Foster strong links with local public/private organisations and liaise with sponsors as needed
Operational
Maintain high standards for building presentation, cleanliness, H&S, and security through SOPs and contractor management
Monitor Café operator performance against SLA through regular meetings
Foster a culture of quality service via feedback, tenant surveys, and staff coaching
Uphold the centre's reputation for outstanding customer care
Ensure competent staff are always available to handle emergencies
Attend training and take ownership of personal development
Experience:
Operational management of a similar innovation/business centre
Office environment experience preferred
Strong networking and revenue generation skills
Proven leadership in service-focused teams
Demonstrated negotiation expertise
Personal Competencies:
Strong ambassador for the centre and motivational team leader
Detail-oriented with excellent organisational and admin skills
Professional, tactful communicator
Proactive, self-motivated, and team-focused
Client-oriented with a strong service mindset
Able to multitask, prioritise, and perform under pressure
Confident in leading, motivating, and delegating to a team
What's in it for you?
25 days' holiday + Bank Holidays
Flexible benefits package:
Pension, life assurance, and holiday adjustment options
Private medical, dental, and health screening
Cycle to work scheme & charitable giving
Friendly, flexible, and informal work environment
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we would advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.
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