Business Development Lead, Virtual and Immersive Production - KTP Associate

Fixed Term (20 months)

This Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project will develop, trial and implement a novel companion business model, which integrates MBD's current grants-based business model with a commercial model that enables MBD to exploit commercial opportunities in Virtual and immersive Production.

MBD is a not-for-profit organisation specialising in immersive digital storytelling experiences in the arts/culture/heritage sector. The majority of work is funded through public grants or grant recipients, leading to an over-reliance on restricted income. MBD recognises it needs to diversify its income and exploit its resources more effectively, to support its long-term financial stability and growth.

Having recently invested in a high-end professional Virtual Production (VP) studio and with unique expertise in VP technologies and delivery, MBD has identified the opportunity to address the under-utilisation of its equipment, skills and staff by developing commercial service offerings to meet the rising demand for VP across multiple industries. The synergy between the commercial and grants-based business models is key to ensure MBD can successfully operate multiple business models, whilst retaining its core values and brand reputation.

This KTP aligns with MBD’s strategic aim to diversify revenue outside of traditional areas and the legacy capabilities will enable MBD to continue to innovate and respond with agility to new market/technology opportunities, to remain relevant, competitive and sustainable. 

This KTP is a great opportunity for someone who wishes to plan and deliver business change. You will work with senior University academics on a commercial project which puts theory and modelling into practice.  

Career prospects: 

60% of our KTP associates are being offered employment by the companies at the end of the KTP.

KTP’s are a proven springboard for Associates who wish to develop careers in consultancy, change management, operations or as University academics in PhD programmes. 

The project team will be happy to support the associate in their higher learning aspirations after successful completion of the project, including obtaining a higher degree, where relevant.

This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Metro-Boulot-Dodo Limited and Innovate UK. 

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are collaborative, three-way partnerships creating positive impact and driving innovation by linking various businesses with the UK's world class knowledge bases to deliver innovation projects led by skilled graduates. 

It is essential you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you secure this position. To learn more please visit: www.aston.ac.uk/ktp

The Company: MBD is a not-for-profit organisation specialising in immersive digital storytelling experiences in the arts/culture/heritage sector. The majority of work is funded through public grants or grant recipients, leading to an over-reliance on restricted income. MBD recognises it needs to diversify its income and exploit its resources more effectively, to support its long-term financial stability and growth.

https://www.mbd.limited/ 

Aston University: You will work in a project team with Dr Yang Zhao, Dr David Carrington and Professor Stefan Manz from Aston University and the Senior Management Team at MBD with the support of the IUK’s Knowledge Transfer Adviser.  

Location: You will be based predominantly at MBD in Leicester. You will also have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham. Some travel to key clients may also be required. 

For informal enquiries about this role please contact Dr Yang Zhao, e-mail: y.zhao16@aston.ac.uk 

A satisfactory DBS clearance is required.

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Sunday 6 October 2024

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