The posting
Geovation Ecosystem Lead
12 Month fixed term contract for maternity cover
Full time - We will also consider part time or role share proposals
£71,206 - £83,074.00 (dependent on experience) plus London allowance
Hybrid (Farringdon) min three days a week in the office
Ordnance Survey (OS) is one of Britain’s most impactful technology and data companies, providing location data across the public and private sector. Our data is part of everyday life, with the average person benefitting from it 40 times a day.
Geovation is part of OS and works with startups to push the boundaries of what is possible with location data. Our Farringdon hub is a vibrant space where first-time founders collaborate with experienced entrepreneurs and geospatial specialists. We host events, encourage creativity, and help build the next generation of data-driven applications through our programmes and challenges. We do this to generate insights for the OS product team and grow future markets for location data.
At Geovation you can make a real difference, develop your skills, and help ideas, businesses and people grow.
About the Role
As Ecosystem Lead, you’ll grow the impact of the Geovation Community across founder, government and geospatial ecosystems. Your aim will be to connect innovators with government, unlock insights, and shape the future of government data. You’ll be the face of the community and lead a small team. You’ll work closely with partners across government, industry, and the startup community to build a vibrant, inclusive network that delivers value to OS and its customers.
In this role, you will:
- Lead the development, delivery and expansion of the Geovation ecosystem ensuring alignment with Geovation and OS’s goals, with a specific focus on engaging across government.
- Manage and grow strategic partnerships with government bodies, entrepreneurial support networks and investors to strengthen the ecosystem’s value.
- Oversee the management of the community and development and delivery of the member offer including the creation of inclusive community events.
- Optimise revenue streams from membership and space usage, meeting annual targets.
- Work closely with Operations team to maximise hub efficiencies and build scalable systems to boost community engagement and increase member satisfaction
- Represent Geovation and OS externally, building high-impact relationships across government, commercial networks, and international communities.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to evolve the ecosystem’s shape and focus, ensuring it reflects emerging trends and OS priorities.
- Play a role in surfacing and sharing insights from the community that are relevant to OS’s products and the wider use of location data.
About you
We’re looking for a strategic and entrepreneurial leader who understands how to build and grow innovation communities, with an existing network across government innovation activities. You’ll bring deep experience in supporting startups, developing partnerships, particularly with government, and creating inclusive spaces that foster collaboration and insight. You’ll be excited by working across sectors and passionate about unlocking the potential of location data through diverse networks. You will understand government innovation, particularly around data and the emerging use of AI.
You see leadership as much more than management and are passionate about developing and empowering people and shaping your impact through your many influences and interactions. No specific formal qualifications are seen as essential for this role with experience and knowledge being more important.
We’re looking for someone who has:
- A strong understanding of the needs of startup founders and the supporting ecosystem, particularly in tech and geospatial.
- Excellent knowledge and experience of innovation processes and the role of startups in shaping new markets and generating insights.
- Excellent knowledge, understanding and connections with government innovation and data communities and networks.
- A proven ability to build strategic partnerships across public and private sectors, with a track record of pitching and negotiating mutual benefits
- An entrepreneurial mindset with a bias toward action, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
- Strong leadership experience and potential, including leading by example in a hands-on, community-focused environment.
- Demonstratable experience managing and growing innovation ecosystems, membership bodies, or communities.
- Experience as a thought leader, with a history of publicly communicating ideas, insights, and trends.
Here is a snapshot of the technologies that we use:
- MS Office, Nexudus, Slack, Canva, Copilot
The rewards
We want you to love what you do and feel supported to do your best work.
Our benefits include:
- Competitive salary and pension (OS contribute up to 12.07%)
- Performance‑related bonus (where applicable)
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
- Enhanced family leave, including paid partner leave
- Hybrid and flexible working options
- Learning and development support, coaching and mentoring
- Free subscription to OS Maps and access to wellbeing support
- Volunteering leave and matched fundraising
Location & Working Pattern
The role is based at our Geovation hub (Farringdon) with a minimum of 3 full days in the Geovation Hub to provide direct support to start-ups working from the hub.
Security & eligibility
OS conducts pre-employment checks for anyone made an offer of employment, including identity, right to work, employment history and criminal record checks (via Disclosure & Barring Services (DBS)).
This role requires the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, OS cannot provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Inclusion at OS
Research shows that people from underrepresented groups often hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. At Ordnance Survey, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive and welcoming workplace.
If this role excites you but your experience doesn’t match every point, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right person for this role or another opportunity at OS.
We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that people may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any during the application process.
Closing date: Monday 23rd November 2026 at 23:59pm
Who we are
We are Ordnance Survey, Great Britain’s national mapping service and a pioneer in geospatial technology. With over 230 years of trusted data, we empower better decisions, deeper understanding, and meaningful connections to the places we live, move through, and care for.
Three principles one direction
- Clear the path – Cut the noise. Simplify. Move at pace
- Seek the story – Listen. Understand. Speak up
- Do what matters – Focus on value
Our principles unite us in delivering our Data & Destinations strategy with more simplicity, more clarity, and renewed momentum for each other and for our customers.
They’re here to create more good days, and fewer harder ones but only if each one of us plays our part.
Skills required for this role:
Innovation, Partnership Management, Start-Ups
