Business Engagement Manager

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of business-to-business and business–university collaborations, supporting strategic initiatives and engagement with academic and external partners within a dynamic and inclusive environment.

You will be responsible for:

• Developing business-to-business and/or business–university collaborations
• Managing and implementing strategic initiatives and change management
• Writing business cases and strategy documents
• Contributing to complex research grant proposals
• Managing projects and delivering within budget

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About you

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential criteria:

• Degree level qualification and/or relevant professional qualification (ideally in a scientific discipline)
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), with ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across organisational boundaries
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes

Desirable criteria:

• Knowledge of the interface between higher education and research sponsors (e.g. Research Councils, Government, Charities, EU, Industry)
• Awareness of funding trends, policies, priorities and processes
• Understanding of how businesses engage with academic partners (large and SME organisations)
• Experience in account management and relationship management
• Ability to represent the University externally

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Kate Williamson

Email Address: kate.williamson@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

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