We are currently seeking qualified candidates for a Senior Business Development role with a leading British academic institution. This is a permanent position that will be based out of London, United Kingdom.
PURPOSE
The Senior Business Development Manager will support the university in achieving its Research and Enterprise strategic goals. To create a proactive cooperation both within the university, partner institutions, schools and clients. The Senior BDM will identify, develop and close commercial enterprise and research opportunities in line with individual and departmental targets both individually and through management of university staff and partners. The Senior BDM will optimise the commercialisation of research from the university and its research centres and innovation centres.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work to deliver the University Enterprise Strategy (an underpinning component of the Corporate Plan).
- Engage with the Commercialisation team, including third party bid writers and consultants, and RTO partners, across appointed areas of responsibility
- Lead business development and strategic partnership activities between the university and it’s external partners.
- Lead the development of new partnerships between the university and external partners including RTO’s, Innovation centres and groups
- Support the direct line management of contracted innovation consultants and bid writing teams. This includes responsibility for the managing and/or writing of quality bids, proposals and offers including Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.
- Undertake, where required, whole-life project management of research and enterprise projects jointly with the programme support team. Maintain excellent client relations, supporting further development of research and enterprise activity.
- Liaise with the wider Research, Enterprise and Innovation team to help identify specific commercial opportunities and clients, presenting the University’s offer effectively and to hand over to appropriate university colleagues.
- Build a strong network of partners, government agencies, RTOs, commercial clients, potential clients and other contacts to maintain a deep understanding of both University Business Collaboration and research activity (both contract and funded) to identify and develop new opportunities.
- Support the Head of Enterprise with appraisal and development of the wider enterprise team.
- To maintain all management information system and reporting requirements in a timely manner. Identify management systems and process needs to better manage and control existing activity within the area of assigned responsibility.
- To report as directed to the Head of Institutes all and any information requested in relation to the successful completion of your responsibilities.
- To work with the university colleagues in other professional service departments to add value to the commercialisation function (this includes working closely with marketing in the development of marketing collateral).
- Perform other duties in line with the University Enterprise Strategy as may reasonably be requested.
EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Qualified to degree level or equivalent.
- Proven ability to grow revenue from commercial activity whether in a University environment, in the private sector or elsewhere. This will include demonstrable experience in identifying and exploiting new markets as well as new clients and new funding opportunities.
- An understanding of the appropriate funding available to support university business collaboration and a demonstrable track record of achieving success through funded partnerships. In addition, knowledge of the Industrial Strategy and how this can be optimised to grow the commercialisation capabilities in the university business collaboration sphere and the ability to set a strategy based on the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.
- Comfortable managing and working as part of a high performing team in a challenging, fast changing and uncertain environment, and able to demonstrate previous success in this context.
- Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to set up and deliver against project plans.
- A good networker, able to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and others in the industry sectors and businesses of interest to University Enterprise.
- Ability to work flexibly and creatively with a wide range of individuals in a complex and diverse institution to create strong partnerships for client delivery.
- Ability to prepare a complete business plan for new commercialisation opportunities, including market analysis, investment, pricing, resource requirements, risks and returns.
- Excellent communication skills. Able to represent the University and the full breadth of its offer in both formal and informal situations to partners, stakeholders and prospects.
- A strong commitment to and proven track record of customer service.
- Strong negotiation skills. Demonstrable experience in successfully negotiating commercial contracts in a similar environment.
- Able to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, equal opportunities and diversity and their practical application.