Business Development Executive (739391)

The BD Executive will play a key role in identifying new commercial opportunities, securing funded projects, and recruiting new member companies to the NMIS network. NMIS has a strong drive to increase its engagement with small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), so this role will require a level of engagement with companies of all sizes.

FTE: 1
Term: Open-ended
Location: NMIS, Renfrew

Shape the Future of Manufacturing – Join NMIS as a Business Development Executive
The University of Strathclyde is a globally renowned technological institution with a proud history of driving business growth through groundbreaking research and innovation. At the forefront of this mission is the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS)—a beacon for advanced manufacturing innovation that empowers businesses of all sizes to boost productivity, embrace digital transformation, and deliver on net-zero ambitions.

At NMIS, we are not just transforming industries—we are building a stronger, more sustainable economy, nurturing future-ready talent, and driving real-world impact. Our diverse and dynamic team works in close partnership with industry, academia, and the public sector to solve real-world challenges, spark innovation, and shape the future of manufacturing.

We are looking for at least two exceptional Business Development Executives to play a central role in role in extending our influence and driving forward our mission. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of manufacturing—by forging strategic partnerships, opening new pathways for collaboration, and delivering real, measurable impact across industry.

What You’ll Do

• Build and grow relationships with industry partners, by understanding their technical and commercial needs.
• Align industry challenges with NMIS capabilities and wider research solutions.
• Shape project opportunities by defining clear statements of work and leading competitive bids for funding and commercial contracts. Co-develop credible project proposals with NMIS Engineering Teams.
• Facilitate the creation of industry consortia and help drive rapid, high-value project delivery.
• Deliver innovation workshops, provide expert consultancy, and deliver agile, high-impact projects with measurable outcomes.

What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for individuals who can confidently translate complex technical and commercial challenges into action. You'll have:

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in engineering or physical sciences.
• A passion for innovation, problem-solving, and advancing the manufacturing sector.
• Strong communication and engagement skills to influence and inspire partners.
• The ability to think both strategically and practically to deliver results at pace.

We’re especially interested in candidates with experience in areas such as:

• Advanced manufacturing technologies, including (but not limited to) forming and forging processes.
• Materials science and metallurgy.
• Digital manufacturing technologies and data-driven manufacturing solutions.
• Electronics manufacturing, including semiconductor technologies.
• Product design, capability development, and design for excellence and assurance.

Experience in high-value manufacturing, industrial R&D, or navigating complex supply chains is highly desirable.

Why NMIS?
At NMIS, you’ll join a mission-driven organisation dedicated to transforming industry, developing a future-ready workforce, and driving a more sustainable economy. With world-class facilities, leading experts, and strong partnerships across academia, government, and industry, we offer an unparalleled environment for innovation and growth. Come and be part of something with real impact.

For informal enquiries, please contact Steven Halliday, NMIS Head of Business Development & Strategy - steven.halliday@strath.ac.uk.

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