Business Development Manager

This role will be based on the University campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. 

Are you a business development professional working or looking to work in Higher Education? Are you looking for an exciting new challenge? Do you have the passion to make a difference and drive new business opportunities both locally, nationally and internationally for the benefit of the Yorkshire region? 

The University of Leeds, a distinguished Russell Group, research-intensive university, is committed to a step change in its collaboration with business, as set out in ‘Strategy 2020-2030: Universal Values, Global Change’.  This transformative journey, led by the Pro-Vice Chancellor (PVC): Business Engagement & Enterprise (BE&E), envisages Leeds as one of the most outwardly-engaged and entrepreneurial universities, collaborating with private and public organisations to further our real-world impact while at the same time diversifying our income.

The emerging BE&E approach under the PVC has an accompanying interim strategy and plan, agreed by our University Executive Group in early 2024. The interim strategy includes the establishment of a Business Engagement Team and development programme, running experimental pilot projects across the University.

Projects are focused on creating new commercial products for business customers, in new delivery models for the University. Themes include bespoke training courses and professional learning, contract services and academic consultancy. Lessons from those projects will drive the production of the full five-year strategy and investment case in 2025, with a continuing programme of change to implement it.

We are looking for a professional and proactive individual with excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills to form a core part of this new Business Engagement Team - accelerating our impact arising from our research, strengthening and building our network through knowledge exchange and providing support to exploit new and emerging technological innovations.

You will have excellent proven business development skills with the ability to initiate and sustain new business opportunities. You will also have excellent communication and relationship building skills with the ability to interact with a wide range of stakeholders to develop effective business relationships with companies, civic partners, trade organisations, investors, funding councils, clinicians and associated academic institutions.

What we offer in return

26 days holiday plus 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – that’s 42 days a year!Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance.Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team, and self-development courses including languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies and much more.Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Glenn McCauley, Head of Business Development, Business Engagement & Enterprise

Email: g.mccauley@leeds.ac.uk

Closing Date: 09 Apr 2025

Section: Professional & Managerial

Salary: £47,874 to £56,921 per annum