Director of Business Development (The University of Manchester Innovation Factory)

Director of Business Development

Overview

We are seeking a resilient and inspiring individual, responsible for leading the Innovation Factory’s early stage commercial development, licensing and investment activities related to commercialisation of the University’s Intellectual Property assets, including business planning, valuation, negotiation of licensing contracts and pre-seed and seed investment deals.

Key Accountabilities:

• Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Business Development is a member of the Innovation Factory’s Senior Leadership Team, setting strategy, organisational culture and values and direction for the organisation;
• Establish and maintain close working relationships with the CEO, Director of Corporate Services and Director of Portfolio to implement strategy and embed a supportive and positive organisational culture throughout UoMIF;
• Leadership of the Business Development team, setting direction and goals for early-stage spinout and licensing projects;
• Act as an ambassador for the Innovation Factory and its mission nationally and internationally, deputising for the CEO as required;
• Ensure the highest levels of customer experience for academics, students, investors, corporates, and other key stakeholders, to enhance the reputation of the Innovation Factory and the University of Manchester;
• Development and delivery of operational best practice for commercialisation, benchmarked to global standards, in the full breadth of technology transfer activities, ensuring the highest standards and proactively seeking opportunities to implement innovative ways of working and embracing new technology.
• Line management, recruitment, development and training of business development staff with approximately 8 direct reports;
• Leading and overseeing negotiation of significant investment and licensing deals optimal outcomes for the university and founders.
• Fosters a positive, supportive culture within the organisation and develops and nurtures talent;
• Promotes the activities of the Innovation Factory, its spinout companies and licensing opportunities to a global audience of Investors, Corporate partners, Universities, Governmental bodies and other key organisations;
• Works closely with the UoMIF senior leadership team, corporate services (e.g. legal, IP services), portfolio management and innovation discovery teams to develop strategies for varied access to early stage pre-seed funding for spin out companies;
• Actively promotes, supports and collaborates with the innovation community across the University of Manchester including Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange, The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre and Unit M.

Skills, Experience and Qualities:

• An inspirational and persuasive leader with the ability to enthuse, develop and empower others;
• Experience in leadership, management and coaching;
• A proven track record of high value deal making and new product strategy, development and launch, ideally within a technology transfer office environment;
• Demonstrable business development experience;
• Deep understanding of Intellectual Property matters and its key role in successful research commercialisation;
• A diplomat with the ability to inspire confidence, trust and respect amongst colleagues, senior leaders, academics, investors, corporates and other key stakeholders;
• A strong networker who enjoys developing relationships;
• Excellent role model for personal standards of integrity, and work ethic;
• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrable influencing and negotiation skills;
• An excellent team player.

Qualifications:

• A degree or similar qualification or equivalent is essential for this role