Case Study | Education Project Manager (IP) - Cranfield University

Cranfield ​University and the University of Hertfordshire sought an exceptional Project Manager to spearhead the commercialisation of their existing intellectual property (IP) at both portfolios. This pivotal role was central to an ambitious strategic initiative: the establishment of a joint Technology Transfer Office (TTO). The new TTO aimed to combine resources, enhance process efficiencies, and improve overall effectiveness that would ultimately exceed current capabilities and drive innovation forward. Cranfield University, as the project leader, entrusted us with the critical task of securing the ideal candidate for this high-impact position.

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Priorities supported:

Expert leadership: Recruit an experienced project manager with expertise in business planning, managing substantial budgets and working across multiple stakeholders.

Strategic alignment: Ensure the success of the project by retaining a candidate with a proven track record of delivering on KPI’s, meeting strategic goals and driven tenacity to meet deliverables.

Specialist recruitment partner: Engage a recruitment consultancy with access to an extensive public sector talent pool and a deep understanding of the unique demands of this project, alongside a capability to deliver within the required timeline.

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Experience applied:

Tailored recruitment strategy: Designed a recruitment process aligned with the project commencement timeline, encompassing a comprehensive market assessment and a two-stage interview process to ensure timely and effective hiring.

Focused talent search: Conducted a targeted search prioritising candidates with operational project management expertise in higher education and public sector settings, rather than solely digital-focused backgrounds.

Thorough candidate evaluation: Presented a carefully curated shortlist, accompanied by detailed profiles that highlighted each candidate’s demonstrated expertise and alignment with the project’s objectives.

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Outcomes delivered:

Swift and successful placement: Delivered an exceptional Project Manager within 14 days, well ahead of the project’s commencement date.

Aligned expertise: Leveraged our in-depth knowledge of recruitment in research and innovation within higher education to identify talent precisely aligned with the project’s goals.

Shortlist confidence: Conducted rigorous evaluations to create comprehensive candidate profiles, ensuring each recommendation met the project’s stringent requirements.

“Having never used a recruitment agency before I am very impressed with the service that has been provided. Ricky is responsive, personable and understood exactly what we needed in a candidate. The candidates we were presented with were all high quality.”

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​To discuss your Education recruitment requirements contact:

​	Ricky Angell Senior Executive Consultant rangell@venngroup.com 07441 916206