Assistant Director, Business Engagement & Research Impact (CMH)

Background

The Business Engagement and Research Impact (BERI) Team, part of the Research Strategy & Services Division (RSSD), unites functions across Business Engagement, Research Impact, and Strategic Regional Engagement. Its mission is to enhance the University’s external collaborations, foster innovation, and increase research income by developing strategic partnerships that generate meaningful societal and business impact. The team supports the University’s ambition to become a global top-50 institution through strengthened engagement with business, policy, and research communities.

Role summary

The Assistant Director (College of Medicine and Health) is a senior leadership position within RSSD responsible for driving research impact and industrial engagement across the College. The postholder will lead a multidisciplinary team and works closely with College and University leadership, academics, and external partners to grow research funding, enhance impact, and build long-term strategic relationships with industry, particularly across health and life sciences. The role involves shaping the College’s Business Engagement Strategy, managing operations, and supporting major partnerships, including those linked to Birmingham Health Partners. Experience with NHS collaborations, clinical trials, and life sciences innovation is highly advantageous.

Key responsibilities include strategic leadership, operational management, and team development. The Assistant Director provides direction for the BERI team, recruits and motivates staff, and ensures alignment with University strategy. They contribute to institutional priorities by developing operational plans, representing BERI in senior committees, advising University leaders on industrial partnerships, and reporting on performance. A collegial, inclusive leadership approach is expected, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Business engagement and partnership development is a key focus, identifying opportunities to enhance research reputation regionally, nationally, and internationally. This includes cultivating new partnerships aligned to the University’s research strengths, liaising with intermediary bodies (e.g., DBT, CBI, Chambers of Commerce), and supporting high-level institutional relationships. The Assistant Director will also lead on strategic projects, such as leveraging industrial partnerships to secure public funding, and helps position the University as a preferred partner for research collaboration.

Strategic thinking and collaboration; the postholder must understand external R&D landscapes, government policy, and higher education frameworks (REF, TEF, KEF). They are expected to interpret and implement the University’s strategic framework, align activities with College research priorities, and anticipate external trends affecting research-intensive universities. Strong communication, diplomacy, and influencing skills are essential to engage senior stakeholders, resolve conflicts, and advocate effectively for the University.

Person Specification

Applicants should hold a degree (postgraduate preferred) and have significant experience in R&D, business development, or research management, ideally in a life sciences context. They must demonstrate strong leadership, budget and project management expertise, strategic planning ability, and excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills. An understanding of academic–industry collaboration, change management, and the UK higher education context is critical, alongside flexibility, integrity, and commitment to the University’s values.

Informal enquiries can be made to Helen Lau, email: h.l.r.lau@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button:

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Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

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