Partnerships Manager | CFT

Company: Cambridge Future Tech
Location: Cambridge (Hybrid)
Role (Part-Time / Full-Time): Full-Time
Application Deadline: 10 August 2026

• Introduction

  Cambridge Future Tech (CFT) is a technology-first venture builder dedicated to transforming groundbreaking academic and corporate research into world-leading deep tech ventures. CFT focuses on DeepTech with strong commercial applications in massive global markets, all underpinned by world class teams. 

  CFT was founded in 2020 and has since built a portfolio of ventures; in total, these companies have created dozens of new jobs, filed multiple patents, and raised many millions of pounds in funding. The CFT portfolio spans a wide range of technology areas, from semiconductors and robotics to advanced materials and synthetic biology.  

  A key driver of our success is the strong relationships and contracts that we hold with industrial corporate partners. Their domain expertise, facilities, market access, and other assets form strong synergies across the lifecycle of our ventures. Their hunger for innovation fits well with our unique access to disruptive technologies, generating direct revenue for CFT through consulting projects. As our portfolio matures, we expect our ventures to provide attractive M&A opportunities to our industry partners.

  With a growing pipeline of corporate contracts and in recognition of these synergies, we are seeking a Partnerships Manager to accelerate the building and maintenance of our corporate relationships.

• Role Overview

  The Partnerships Manager will be responsible for:

  1. New Business Development: developing relationships with new corporate partners and transforming these into mutually valuable relationships and engagements, either directly for CFT, or for our portfolio of ventures.

  2. Project and Relationship Management: ensuring that existing engagements with corporate partners are delivering value to both parties, and that this value is being effectively captured and communicated. 

  Time allocation to each area will need to flex depending on project loading. CFT expects specialisation to be an option as we grow.

• Key Responsibilities

  • Identify, research, and qualify potential corporate partners aligned with the ideal customer profiles of CFT and our ventures.

  • Build relationships with exec-level investment, innovation, R&D, and business unit stakeholders at target corporates.

  • Shape and pitch compelling commercial propositions, supported by clear logic and alignment with client objectives.

  • Support proposal development and contract negotiation, culminating in new business.

  • Managing corporate partner relationships:

    • Collaborate with CFT internal or portfolio venture delivery teams to scope, launch, and oversee commercial engagements.

    • Serve as the voice of the client internally, ensuring that delivery is aligned with partner goals and expectations.

    • Support the conversion of successful projects into repeat or expanded contracts.

    • Act as the day-to-day lead for assigned corporate partner relationships, accelerating their conversion to value.

    • Track and report on project milestones, partner feedback, and commercial outcomes.

  • Maintain accurate records of pipeline opportunities, partner interactions, and commercial performance in our CRM.

  • Represent CFT at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to generate leads and raise brand awareness.

  • Contribute to the development and refinement of CFT’s partnership strategy, processes, and tools.

  • Provide input into marketing, communications, and thought leadership activities related to CFT’s corporate offering.

  • Support internal knowledge sharing and capability-building around corporate engagement.

  • Champion CFT’s values and ensure a high standard of professionalism and integrity in all external interactions.

  This role is for a nominal 40-hr week, with flexible working hours and potential to work a mix of home and office in Cambridge (expected minimum 3 days per week). Travel (UK and overseas) may be required to attend events, meetings, and more. 

• Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Personable, curious, and a strong listener; the kind of person people enjoy working with.

  • Driven to succeed and will go the extra mile to win.

  • Humble, and as motivated by the team's success as their own.

  • Enough of a STEM background to get to grips with the scientific innovation behind our venture portfolio and confidently discuss technical innovations with clients in a variety of industry sectors.

  • Able to translate complex technical ideas into clear value for business stakeholders.

  • Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills at exec level.

  • Commercially minded, with an instinct for spotting opportunities and crafting engagements that work for both sides.

  • Highly organised and proactive, comfortable managing multiple workstreams and stakeholders.

• What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and benefits package 

  • Private healthcare plan 

  • 28 days of holiday per year in addition to English bank holidays. 

  • Other benefits including gym membership, cycle-to-work scheme, your birthday as leave, and quarterly family-friendly social events. 

  • Regular domestic and international travel. 

  • Exposure to a diverse range of technologies and industries. 

  • A collaborative, supportive, and innovative work environment 

  • Opportunities for professional growth including regular training and exposure to groundbreaking technologies.

How to Apply

Should you feel deficient in one or two of the “Ideal Candidate” areas please apply nonetheless! We are looking for a strong cultural fit and a can-do attitude above all else.  

We are determined that Cambridge Future Tech is a diverse team made up of the best and brightest individuals without discrimination.