National Access & Mobility Manager

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking an ambitious, commercially focused and people-oriented Centre Manager to lead the operations, growth and external engagement of a pioneering Accessibility & Mobility Innovation Centre.

The Centre supports training, research, innovation and community engagement in the areas of accessibility, assistive technologies, inclusive design and mobility solutions. The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in positioning the Centre as a nationally recognised hub for collaboration between academia, healthcare, engineering, technology providers, public bodies and community organisations.

This role requires a commercially minded leader who can build strategic partnerships, generate revenue opportunities, secure grant and sponsorship funding, and attract organisations to utilise the Centre’s facilities for research, testing, training and innovation activities.

The Centre Manager will also act as a visible ambassador for the organisation, engaging with politicians, funders, industry leaders, researchers and community stakeholders to increase awareness, impact and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Commercial Leadership

• Develop and implement a growth strategy to maximise utilisation of the Centre’s facilities and services.
• Build commercial relationships with:
• Universities and academic researchers
• Medical device and healthcare technology companies
• Engineering and design firms
• Public sector and transport organisations
• Accessibility and mobility-focused enterprises
• Identify opportunities for:
• Research partnerships
• Facility hire
• Pilot programmes
• Innovation projects
• Sponsored initiatives
• Training and consultancy services
• Drive revenue generation while ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and values.
• Develop business cases and proposals for new programmes and services.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, funders, industry leaders, educational institutions and community groups.
• Represent the organisation at conferences, networking events, exhibitions and public engagements.
• Host visiting dignitaries, political representatives, funders and media stakeholders.
• Promote the Centre as a leading destination for accessibility and mobility innovation and training.
• Support awareness campaigns that highlight the social and economic importance of inclusive mobility and accessibility.

Funding & Grant Development

• Identify and pursue grant, sponsorship and funding opportunities from public, private and philanthropic sources.
• Lead or support the preparation of high-quality funding applications and partnership proposals.
• Develop relationships with funding bodies and strategic partners.
• Monitor funding compliance and reporting requirements where applicable.

Operational & Facility Management

• Oversee the day-to-day management and smooth operation of the Centre.
• Ensure facilities are maintained to a high professional, safety and accessibility standard.
• Coordinate scheduling and usage of research, training and demonstration spaces.
• Implement operational policies, procedures and service standards.
• Monitor budgets, expenditure and operational performance metrics.

Team Leadership & People Management

• Lead, motivate and develop a multidisciplinary team.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high-performance culture.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, performance management and staff development.
• Support staff wellbeing and encourage continuous professional development.
• Coordinate external contractors, facilitators and specialist trainers where required.

Community & Public Engagement

• Build strong relationships with disability advocacy groups, community organisations and service users.
• Ensure the Centre remains responsive to evolving accessibility and mobility needs.
• Organise events, demonstrations, workshops and public engagement initiatives.
• Promote inclusive participation and user-centred innovation.

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in a senior management, operations or centre management role.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated success in business development, partnership development or revenue generation.
• Experience engaging with academic, healthcare, engineering or innovation sectors.
• Strong stakeholder management and networking capabilities.
• Experience securing grants, sponsorships or external funding.
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams.
• Experience managing budgets and operational performance.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to confidently host senior stakeholders, government representatives and visiting dignitaries.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working in accessibility, disability services, healthcare, assistive technology, mobility or inclusive design sectors.
• Understanding of universal design and accessibility principles.
• Experience managing innovation, research or training facilities.
• Existing networks within higher education, healthcare, engineering or public sector organisations.
• Experience in public affairs, advocacy or community engagement.

Personal Attributes

• Entrepreneurial and proactive mindset.
• Passion for accessibility, inclusion and social impact.
• Relationship-builder with strong influencing skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong execution capability.
• Professional, confident and adaptable.
• High emotional intelligence and people leadership capability.
• Comfortable operating across commercial, community and political environments.

Key Performance Indicators (Indicative)

• Growth in facility utilisation and commercial partnerships
• Revenue generation and funding secured
• Number and quality of research collaborations
• Stakeholder engagement and public profile
• Team performance and staff engagement
• Community participation and outreach impact
• Delivery of operational and strategic objectives