Senior Business Development Manager

Location: Aston University John Cadbury House

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and industry collaboration? Aston University is seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to lead business development initiatives within the College of Health and Life Science.

Aston University's 2030 Strategy sets out a bold vision to become a leading university of science, technology, and enterprise, with a transformational impact on students, staff, businesses, and communities. The University is recognised as a sector leader in knowledge exchange, achieving top ratings for both working with business and local growth and regeneration in the most recent Knowledge Exchange Framework and we are also recognised for our pioneering work in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, where we rank amongst the leading institutions across the UK.

This is a pivotal role, reporting to the Director of Knowledge Exchange, where you’ll drive strategic partnerships, secure collaborative research income, and support our ambitious growth plans. You’ll work closely with academic teams, external stakeholders, and internal departments to develop and deliver our research and innovation-related activities, lead complex funding bids, and enhance the University’s research and enterprise profile.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Proven experience in strategic business development within a research-intensive or higher education environment.
• Strong commercial mindset and track record of securing large-scale industrial research and innovation funding  
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and project management skills.

This is your opportunity to join a highly motivated and successful team and shape the future of research and innovation across the University.

This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. 

Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.

See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

For further information and to apply on-line, please click the above “Apply” button.

Further details:
Job Description

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions. 

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Monday 03 November 2025

Interview Date: Friday 28 November 2025

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