Director of Business Development

Location: Aston University John Cadbury House

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Tuesday 18 June 2024

Aston University is seeking a Director of Business Development to lead and deliver a cohesive approach to business engagement across the institution. The role reports to the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and they will be responsible for developing collaborative internal relationships to engage with industry and businesses regionally, nationally and internationally. The main purpose of the role is to create shared value and drive commercial outcomes in line with the University's 2030 strategy.

Aston University is a mid-sized dual-intensive university ranked in the top 25 universities in the United Kingdom. We are an agile and innovative organisation that thrives on collaboration and partnerships with businesses and the community. Our integrated placement year, our applied high-impact research, and our commitment to enhancing employability and social mobility of our students, all help to make Aston University distinct both nationally and internationally.

We have a long history of collaborating with businesses of all sizes, from multinational corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to drive innovation and bring about real change. Our new Director of Business Development will be responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with businesses, professional services, and public sector organisations. They will coordinate with the academic teams across the University to respond effectively to partners’ needs.

The ideal candidate for this position needs to have operated at a senior level and will have a reputation for capturing value and achieving measurable outcomes at scale for their organisation. They will be an entrepreneurial leader, capable of finding new and innovative ways of attracting and engaging with businesses while positively impacting Aston’s operational performance and reputation.

We are looking to attract candidates who already have senior external connections, in the Midlands region and beyond and those who can demonstrate experience in fostering and developing strategic partnerships with businesses, industry, and professional services sectors to increase the depth and breadth of new and existing relationships, are likely to progress. 

This role requires a high level of commercial acumen, proven relationship management skills, and a successful track record of delivering value to their current institution and partners. Candidates must have significant experience in managing diverse stakeholders, both internally and externally, with a proven ability to deliver commercial outcomes. Additionally, they should be sensitive and appreciative of the culture of Aston University and the values of the Higher Education sector. 

Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the University, an executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement. Further details can be found here - Aston University - Director of Business Development | AQ (andersonquigley.com)

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 18 June 2024.

Applications should consist of:

• A full CV.
• A cover letter (maximum of two pages) outlining your motivations for the role and how you meet the essential criteria of the person specification.
• Please include details of three referees in either your CV or covering letter, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact Kiersten Avery at kiersten.avery@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7510 384 735 or Sophie Rees at sophie.rees@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7719 313 982

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