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- Tasks: Lead strategic relationships with businesses and drive innovation across the university.
- Company: Join a globally renowned university known for impactful research and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent pension, health services, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a global impact while working in a dynamic, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Seeking a forward-thinking professional with strategic and commercial insights.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working arrangements may be available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Title: Director of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange
Location: Oxford Road, Manchester
Salary: Competitive Salary in line with level of experience
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent (1 FTE)
Closing Date: 04/09/2025
The University is a truly global institution, with a reputation for education, research and innovation that has a positive impact on societies, business and individuals across the world. Our research engages with today\’s biggest questions – that\’s why we bring together the best people in their fields, across health care, climate change, international trade and community cohesion to make a difference where it is needed most. The Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange Team is a key part of the University\’s strategic commitment to innovation. It develops the relationships that enable partners to gain fresh insights in order to inform business strategy, leverage new technology to innovate or boost efficiency, or invest in the next game-changing invention to get ahead of the game.
Working within the Directorate of Research and Business Engagement, the Director of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange will be responsible for the development of strategic relationships with business and will lead an integrated cross-faculty team of professionals. This is a fully rounded strategic role that will influence and work across all areas of the institution, providing inspired and insightful leadership to capitalise on the organisation\’s outstanding reputation and expanding service provision to maximise opportunities and further expand the reputation of the University.
The University is seeking to appoint a progressive and forward-thinking professional with the strategic capacity and commercial insights to identify and leverage opportunities and partnerships for growth. With a strong understanding of the wider business environment, you must have the capacity to balance the pursuit of academic excellence with the needs of customers whilst implementing initiatives that deliver successful outcomes for all. This is an outstanding role for a high performing individual to make a difference on a global stage.
Interviews for this role will take place on the 19th of September 2025.
What you will get in return:
- Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
- Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
- Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
- Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any CV\’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Please click APPLY to be redirected to our website to complete an application form.
Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of; Director of Business Engagement, Business Engagement Director, University Director, Head of Business Engagement, Academic Engagement Director, may also be considered.
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Director of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange employer: BluetownOnline
Contact Detail:
BluetownOnline Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the academic and business communities. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops where you can meet potential collaborators and stakeholders. Building these relationships can give you insights into the role and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in business engagement and knowledge exchange. Understanding current challenges and innovations in these areas will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to the University’s goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in leading cross-functional teams. Highlight specific examples where you successfully developed strategic partnerships or initiatives that resulted in measurable outcomes, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the University’s current projects and partnerships. Being knowledgeable about their existing initiatives will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to propose ideas on how you could enhance their business engagement strategies.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Director of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in business engagement, strategic leadership, and knowledge exchange. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to develop strategic relationships and lead cross-faculty teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for the role. Discuss how you can contribute to the University’s mission and your vision for enhancing business engagement and knowledge exchange.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous successes in similar roles. Use metrics or specific outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as successful partnerships or innovative projects that led to growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at BluetownOnline
✨Understand the University's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the University’s mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their commitment to innovation and societal impact, particularly in areas like health care and climate change.
✨Showcase Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to develop strategic relationships and partnerships. Highlight specific instances where you have successfully influenced business strategies or driven innovation in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to inspire and lead a cross-faculty team. Be ready to share your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you've motivated teams to achieve common goals in a complex environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to balance academic excellence with customer needs. Think of scenarios where you had to make tough decisions and how you navigated those challenges.
