Cluster Manager - Space NE England
Job Summary
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
26/01/2026
Advert End Date:
Closed for applications on 08/02/2026 23:59
Salary:
Grade 13 £47,181 to £51,356 per annum
Employment Location:
Salvus House, Aykley Heads, Durham (hybrid working options available)
Further Information
We are delighted to offer a rare and exciting opportunity for a Cluster Manager to join the team at Business Durham, where you will lead the Space North East England (SNEE) cluster and play a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of the region’s space and satellite applications sector.
Funded by the UK Space Agency, the cluster seeks to stimulate and grow the space and satellite applications economy across the North East as part of a national network of regional space clusters. This programme builds on the strong foundations established by the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence, led by Business Durham, on behalf of the Satellite Applications Catapult since 2014.
The North East’s space sector is thriving, with more than 80 companies contributing £171m to the regional economy and employing around 1,340 people, offering an exceptional opportunity for someone who wants to lead the next phase of the region’s growth.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
As Cluster Manager, you will lead the strategic direction of Space North East England, driving the growth of the region’s space capabilities by engaging closely with organisations across industry, academia and government. You will play a key role in shaping a strong, collaborative ecosystem that delivers real benefits for the North East. A core part of your mission will be to raise the region’s profile nationally and internationally, positioning the region as a leading UK hub for space sector innovation—and as an attractive location for businesses to start, scale, and succeed in this fast-growing market.
You will:
- Provide strategic direction for the cluster and the North East Space Leadership Group
- Act as a brand ambassador and key point of contact for the regional cluster
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regional, national and international partners across the public and private sectors
- Identify and develop opportunities to grow the space sector capability and deliver impact for the North East region
We strongly encourage prospective candidates to arrange an informal discussion with either Sarah Slaven, Managing Director at sarah.slaven@durham.gov.uk or Kerry Walker, Business Growth Director at kerry.walker@durham.gov.uk
WHAT WILL I NEED?
You will be educated to degree level or equivalent and/or be able to demonstrate extensive relevant experience.
You will have experience of engaging, developing and managing business relationships together with demonstrable experience on successfully delivering multiple-year, multi-partner projects.
The ability to build relations and establish trust with a proactive and positive approach to customer care is essential.
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on either Tuesday 24 or Thursday 26 February 2026.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website (https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits-if-you-work-for-us)
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website (https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/2083/How-to-apply-for-a-job-with-us)
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentREG@durham.gov.uk
We welcome applications from disabled people and those who are or consider themselves to be neurodivergent.
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
CONNECT WITH US
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dccjobsandcareers/
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/durhamcountycounciljobsandcareers
Visit our website durham.gov.uk/jobsandcareerswithus
Please note
This job is closed for applications.