Founded in 1984, the UK Science Park Association (UKSPA) represents, promotes and supports a diverse network of members that includes science parks, research campuses, city-based innovation districts, technology incubators and innovation centres across the UK (and beyond). These members operate in different areas, with different funding and investment profiles but together deliver enormous added economic, social and investment value that supports world class infrastructure and drives UK innovation and technology.

UKSPA has grown alongside the UK’s science and innovation sector and today has in membership over 150 innovation locations and around 80 business members working together and sharing good practice to sustain – and develop – this vital economic sector. Around 140,000 people are employed on UKSPA member locations delivering significant local, regional, national and international impact.

The UKSPA Board is seeking to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to continue the growth and development of the Association. The new CEO will have the opportunity to shape and deliver an effective long-term strategy and ensure the structures and resources are in place to grow and sustain UKSPA. The CEO will lead on membership engagement as well as advocacy and public relations, representing the Association to external stakeholders, including government agencies, acting as an ambassador on the national stage to promote the wider UK science park movement.

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate the requisite skills to provide inspirational leadership to UKSPA. They will show evidence of working effectively and collaboratively within a multi-stakeholder environment and possess strong advocacy skills. The appointee will need to think innovatively to drive income diversification and generation to ensure UKSPA continues to provide high quality services to its members.

How to Apply 

For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Lucy Roper at lucy.roper@perrettlaver.com or +(44)20 3928 7358.

Application is via submission of a CV and covering letter. The closing date for applications is 09:00 BST on Monday 14^th April 2025. 

If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements. 

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Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Sarah Snelling on sarah.snelling@perrettlaver.com. 

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