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- Tasks: Drive business development initiatives and secure collaborative research opportunities.
- Company: Aston University, a leader in innovation and knowledge exchange.
- Benefits: Dynamic working, generous leave, discounts, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of research and innovation while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic business development and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a vibrant Birmingham campus with great career growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 67000 £ per year.
Location: Aston University John Cadbury House
Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and industry collaboration? Aston University is seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to drive business development initiatives within our College of Health and Life Science. Aston University's 2030 Strategy sets out a bold vision to become a leading university of science, technology, and enterprise, with a transformational impact on students, staff, businesses, and communities.
The University is recognised as a sector leader in knowledge exchange, achieving top ratings for both working with business and local growth and regeneration in the most recent Knowledge Exchange Framework. We are also recognised for our pioneering work in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, where we rank amongst the leading institutions across the UK.
This is a key leadership role, reporting to the Director of Knowledge Exchange, where you’ll nurture strategic partnerships, secure collaborative research opportunities, and help shape our future growth. Working closely with academic teams, external partners, and internal colleagues, you’ll lead complex funding bids, empower research and innovation initiatives, and elevate the University’s profile as a hub for enterprise and impact.
We’re looking for someone with:
- Proven experience in strategic business development within a research-intensive or higher education environment.
- Strong commercial mindset and track record of securing large-scale industrial research and innovation funding.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and project management skills.
This is your chance to join a supportive, forward-thinking team and make a real difference in shaping the future of research and innovation at Aston University.
What we offer:
- Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
- The role is offered as 'dynamic working', which means working both on campus and from home dependent on the activity, with at least 3 days on site per week.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
- Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
- Great family friendly policies.
- On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.
Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Monday 02 February 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
£47,389 to £56,535 per annum. Grade 09
Senior Business Development Manager in Birmingham employer: Aston University
Contact Detail:
Aston University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Development Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in your industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Aston University’s recent projects and initiatives, especially in the College of Health and Life Science. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, highlight your past successes in securing funding and building partnerships. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Aston University team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic business development, especially in research-intensive environments. We want to see how your skills align with our vision at Aston University!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve secured large-scale funding or led successful projects. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Aston University!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aston University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand Aston University's 2030 Strategy and how it aligns with the role of Senior Business Development Manager. Familiarise yourself with their recent achievements in knowledge exchange and partnerships, as this will show your genuine interest and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your strategic business development skills, especially in a research-intensive or higher education environment. Highlight any successful funding bids you've led and the impact they had on your previous organisations.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach building relationships with academic teams and external partners. Be ready to discuss your communication strategies and how you’ve successfully engaged stakeholders in the past. This is crucial for the collaborative nature of the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the university's goals. Inquire about their current projects, challenges they face in business development, and how you can contribute to their vision. This shows your enthusiasm and strategic thinking.