The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

Are you an expert at finding the "unmet need"? The recently launched Women’s HealthTech Innovation Network (WHIN) is looking for a Strategy & Network Manager to help us develop our strategy for future growth and impact. The Network, supported by the INSIGNEO Institute and NIHR Devices for Dignity, aims to support members to develop new HealthTech Innovations which benefit women while also raising the profile of Women’s Health research in South Yorkshire and supporting income generation.

In this role you will engage with WHIN members to develop the priorities of the network and identify opportunities for collaboration and external funding. Working closely with the Network Co-Chairs, you will translate the WHIN vision into an actionable strategy, forging high-impact partnerships with external organisations to drive meaningful advancements in women's health.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Network Mapping

• Lead a comprehensive audit of WHIN members’ expertise and academic and technical assets through structured surveys and face-to-face consultations.

• Map the South Yorkshire landscape to identify influential researchers, third-sector organisations, and industry working in Women’s Health.

• Produce detailed reports identifying the network's core strengths and critical "needs" to inform future strategy.

2. Network Development 

• Proactively identify and engage industry partners and third-sector organizations to support long-term collaboration opportunities.

• Identify opportunities for funding in Women’s HealthTech research from major funders (e.g., EPSRC, MRC), charity and private investors.

3. Communications 

• Develop and maintain WHIN promotional materials (e.g. slide deck) to enable consistent messaging by the team at external events and stakeholder meetings.

• Lead the creation of a WHIN website and a member database to facilitate collaboration.

• Manage the network’s communication strategy, including the production of newsletters and a professional LinkedIn presence, to build network awareness.

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification 

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in early March. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage a week after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact cmbe-staffing-contracts@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.

• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.

• Generous pension scheme.

• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.

• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).

• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.

• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.

• A range of generous family-friendly policies

  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

  • support for those going through the menopause

  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment

  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Closing Date : 02/03/2026 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.