University of Nottingham Ningbo China is seeking to recruit a Proof of Concept Center (PoCC) Project Manager in Research and Knowledge Exchange

Your Responsibility

The PoCC is an institutional platform to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial applications where early-stage research ideas can be developed, validated, and prepared for market entry.

The Proof of Concept Center Project Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle management of PoCC projects, encompassing project call for proposal, organizing project reviews, project process management, project closure, and follow-up tracking with a focus on ensuring the successful implementation of selected projects by closely monitoring their progress and actively engaging with key stakeholders, including government funders, industry mentors, and social investors. The Project Manager needs to identify opportunities and integrate resources to facilitate the successful execution of PoCC projects.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Prepare call for proposal: Prepare the call for proposals notice; design and produce the poster for the call; release the call for proposals information on campus and off campus through relevant channels.
• Project Reviews meeting organization: Organize the external reviewing panel by inviting relevant industry experts and investors and organize and facilitate the review meeting.
• Project Implementation Monitoring: Actively monitor the progress of selected PoCC projects on a regular basis to ensure they are delivered according to the implementation plan. This includes tracking milestones, deliverables, and timelines to ensure projects stay on course; identify deviations and feedback to industry mentors on timely manner to ensure appropriate corrective actions are taken as needed; implement project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) to manage project activities effectively
• Government Funders: Maintain regular communication with government funders (entrepreneurship talent scheme) to have a deep understanding of the funding criteria and objectives of government programs to ensure the selected projects’ alignment with funding requirements.
• Industry Mentors(industry experts or investors): maintain regular communication with industry mentors by inviting them to be the review panel members, providing timely feedback to the industry mentors on the selected projects to ensure effective and efficient mentoring for the projects. This includes organizing regular meetings, workshops, and presentations to keep them informed and engaged, and to seek their guidance on project direction and potential improvements.
• Social Investors: Engage with social investors to understand their expectations and ensure that PoC projects deliver on their social impact goals. This involves regular reporting on social outcomes and ensuring that projects are aligned with the investors' values and objectives.
• Opportunity Identification: Work closely with stakeholders to identify new opportunities for PoCC projects. This includes staying informed about emerging trends, technologies, and market needs to propose innovative solutions.
• Resource Integration: Facilitate the integration of resources from various stakeholders to support the successful implementation of PoCC projects. This includes coordinating with government funders, industry mentors, and social investors to secure financial, technical, and human resources.
• Risk Identification and Mitigation: Proactively identify potential risks associated with the implementation of PoCC projects and provide feedback to the director so that strategies to be developed to mitigate them. Regularly review and update risk management plans to ensure they remain effective.
• Compliance and Governance: Ensure that all PoC projects adhere to organizational policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. This includes maintaining proper documentation and ensuring compliance with project governance frameworks.
• Project Evaluation: Conduct thorough evaluations of PoC projects to determine their success and potential for scaling. This includes analyzing data, gathering feedback, and preparing comprehensive reports for senior leadership and stakeholders.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in Science and Engineering, Marketing or Finance, plus significant hands-on experience in similar or related roles.
• 3 years of working experience at technology transfer organizations, investment fund or venture capital companies or platforms like incubator, accelerator, innovation park, proof of concept centre or pilot testing base etc.
• Proven working experience of project management
• Proven experience in developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders
• Knowledge about innovation and entrepreneurship 
• Proven project management skills
• Proven communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, fluency in English
• Excellent planning and organising skills
• Proficient computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office, information management systems)
• Data analysis and reporting skills 

About Us

Join a unique British University in China.  The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) was the first Sino-foreign university to open its doors in China. Located in Ningbo, this award winning campus offering a UK style education has grown to establish a student body of nearly 10,000 in just 21 years.

Your Remuneration, Benefits and Support 

This is a regular post that you will be offered a fixed term contract initially of 3 years with a probation of 6 months with University of Nottingham Ningbo China. We are committed to providing competitive employment packages while supporting the wellbeing of our staff to help them reach their full potential.

How to Apply

Applicants should formally apply via our on-line application system before 23:59 (Beijing Time) 13 June 2025. Only on-line applications made at (https://jobs.nottingham.edu.cn/184188) will be accepted. Referees will be contacted prior to interview and interviews will take place in Ningbo China.

Enquiries

If you are unable to apply on-line, please contact Recruitment Team, Email: Job@nottingham.edu.cn

Equality and Diversity 

University of Nottingham Ningbo China is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportively learning and working environment for our students and staff. It is our intention to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, age*, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, trade union membership, family circumstances, sexual orientation or other irrelevant distinction.

Attachment: Job Description/Role Profile