Senior Business Development Manager reference: 0839-25

Review: Senior Business Development Manager - Engineering & Physical Sciences at Aston University

For ambitious professionals eager to drive innovation and forge impactful partnerships within a leading research-intensive institution, the Senior Business Development Manager role at Aston University presents a compelling career opportunity. This position is specifically geared towards individuals with a strategic vision and a passion for leveraging AI and digital innovation.

Aston University is not just an educational establishment; it's a dynamic enterprise with a clear and ambitious 2030 Strategy focused on becoming a preeminent university in science, technology, and enterprise. Their proven track record in knowledge exchange, highlighted by top ratings in the Knowledge Exchange Framework and leadership in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, underscores their commitment to impactful industry collaboration. This Senior Business Development Manager role is central to realizing this vision, playing a pivotal part in shaping the University's research and innovation landscape.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: This role offers the chance to be at the forefront of driving strategic partnerships and securing significant collaborative research income. You will directly influence the growth and innovation agenda within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, with a special emphasis on cutting-edge AI and digital technologies.
• Reputation and Recognition: Joining Aston University means becoming part of an institution recognized for its excellence in knowledge exchange and its pioneering work with businesses. This offers a strong platform to enhance your professional profile and build a robust network.
• Collaborative Environment: You will work closely with highly motivated academic teams, diverse external stakeholders, and internal departments, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment for developing and delivering groundbreaking research and innovation activities.
• Career Growth: The opportunity to lead complex funding bids and enhance the University's research and enterprise profile provides significant avenues for professional development and career advancement within the higher education and research sector.
• Visa Sponsorship Potential: For international candidates, this role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, offering a pathway to contribute to a leading UK university.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Experience Requirements: The ideal candidate will possess proven experience in strategic business development, ideally within a research-intensive or higher education setting. A strong commercial mindset and a demonstrable track record of securing large-scale industrial research and innovation funding are crucial.
• Skills Alignment: Excellent communication, sophisticated stakeholder engagement, and robust project management skills are essential for success in this demanding yet rewarding role.
• Strategic Alignment: Candidates should be prepared to align their efforts with Aston University's ambitious 2030 Strategy, contributing to its goal of transformational impact on students, staff, businesses, and communities.
• Visa Eligibility Assessment: While sponsorship is a possibility, candidates requiring it should note that eligibility will be assessed upon shortlisting. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the UK government's Skilled Worker visa requirements prior to applying.

In essence, this is an exceptional opportunity for a driven and strategic professional to make a substantial contribution to a forward-thinking university. If you thrive on innovation, excel at building relationships, and are passionate about the intersection of academia and industry, this role at Aston University could be the perfect next step in your career journey.