Business Engagement Partner (Social Sciences & Arts and Law)

The University of Birmingham is a global, civic institution with a proud heritage of innovation, collaboration, and world‑leading research. We are committed to making a real difference—regionally, nationally, and internationally—through partnerships that drive innovative discoveries, improve lives, and support the economic and social fabric of the West Midlands and beyond. As part of our Research Strategy & Services Division (RSSD), we are now seeking a highly motivated and strategic Business Engagement Partner to support the Colleges of Social Science and Arts and Law.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in strengthening and expanding the University’s relationships with industry partners. You will be part of our Business Engagement and Research Impact (BERI) team, a dynamic group responsible for driving strategic industry partnerships, research impact, innovation activity, and regional collaboration.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Research, Partnerships & Impact (Social Sciences and Arts and Law), you will work closely with academic leaders, Research Support Managers, specialist research support colleagues, and a central team of Business Engagement Partners. Together, you will help deliver a coherent and ambitious approach to business engagement that enhances research excellence, secures new income, and supports impactful collaboration.

What You Will Do

In this influential role, you will:

• Jointly lead the development and delivery of business‑engagement strategies across Social Sciences and Arts and Law.
• Proactively identify opportunities for collaboration and match internal expertise to external industry needs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with major corporates, Small and Medium Enterprises, public funders, and regional partners.
• Support academic colleagues in developing high‑value partnerships, including preparing proposals, conducting due diligence, and facilitating contract negotiations.
• Drive the University’s wider Industry Engagement Strategy and Knowledge Exchange activity, enhancing our reputation with funders and employers.
• Work collaboratively across Professional Services to remove barriers to engagement and ensure smooth project delivery.
• Act as a credible ambassador for the University, representing the organisation across key networks.

About You

We are looking for a confident, strategic, and people‑focused professional with:

• Experience in planning and organising cross-sector collaboration opportunities, ensuring these are effectively managed to deliver against stretching targets.
• A strong understanding of the drivers of academic research, and how it can support business innovation.
• Experience of securing funding opportunities, as demonstrated by the development of funding applications, either within a University, industry or commercial partner.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience working to ambitious KPIs and managing a pipeline of partnership opportunities.
• The ability to think both strategically and creatively, using sound judgement to drive forward complex projects.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and sustainable working practices.

Experience of supporting applications to Innovate UK would be advantageous.

Why Join Us?

You will join a vibrant, supportive, and high‑performing professional community where your skills will make a measurable difference to research that improves our world. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and extensive opportunities for professional development through the Birmingham Professional programme.

For more information about this role, please contact David Evans (d.evans.4@bham.ac.uk) 

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