Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage strategic partnerships and drive business growth initiatives in the aviation sector.
- Company: Join the innovative team at the Whittle Laboratory, part of a prestigious university.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, work on impactful projects, and enjoy a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract with opportunities for professional development and networking.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the net zero transition while developing your career in aerospace engineering.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in engineering; PhD preferred, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced individual to join the Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA) team at the Whittle Laboratory in West Cambridge to take on the role of Strategic Business Development Manager. In this role you will be required to manage strategic partnerships, research development, and business growth initiatives to enhance the AIA's impact and achieve long-term objectives. You will also oversee the management of research grants, collaborating with academic staff and funding bodies to secure external income and support the department's research and fundraising activities.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with software and technical teams to develop holistic systems models and tools that meet stakeholder needs.
- Support business strategy development, stakeholder relationship management and the dissemination of research outputs, ensuring the department remains at the forefront of industry trends and thought leadership.
- Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive business strategy, support change management, and ensure the effective dissemination of research outputs, contributing to the AIA's overall success and strategic direction.
- Manage strategic partnerships, research development and business growth initiatives to enhance the AIA's impact and achieve long-term objectives.
Qualifications and Experience
- Educated to degree/postgraduate level education/level 7 vocational qualification or possess an equivalent level of experience. A PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a relevant engineering field would be desirable.
- Specialist knowledge across a broad range of areas relating to the net zero transition, particularly aerospace and mechanical engineering with transport applications.
- Experienced user of Microsoft Office with software skills in Python.
- Previous experience of research design, technical and economic modelling is required with proven team leadership and relationship management skills.
Contract and Application
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance. Internal candidates may apply by applying for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University. To apply, upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. Closing date for applications: Wednesday 13 May 2026.
For questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR Office at the Department of Engineering: hr-office@eng.cam.ac.uk, +44 (0)1223 332615. Please quote reference NM49565 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equality and Inclusion
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Strategic Business Development Manager in Cambridge employer: Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA)
Contact Detail:
Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Business Development Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, 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
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the company, make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with their goals. Tailor your pitch to show how you can contribute to their strategic partnerships and business growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews or networking events. A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re a great fit for the Strategic Business Development Manager role.
✨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 team at the Aviation Impact Accelerator.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Business Development Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic Business Development Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in managing partnerships and business growth initiatives, as well as any specific skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for the AIA team. Use it to showcase your passion for aerospace engineering and how your background can contribute to our long-term objectives.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your experience with Microsoft Office and Python. We want to see how you can leverage these tools to support research development and stakeholder management.
Follow Application Instructions: Be sure to upload your CV and cover letter in the correct section of our online application. Following instructions shows attention to detail, which is crucial for this role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in aerospace and mechanical engineering, especially around the net zero transition. Familiarise yourself with the AIA's current projects and how they align with industry needs. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in making a real impact.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in managing strategic partnerships and research development. Have specific examples ready that highlight your leadership skills and how you've successfully driven business growth initiatives in the past.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship management skills. Be ready to share stories about how you've effectively collaborated with teams or external partners to achieve common goals.
✨Technical Skills Matter
As an experienced user of Microsoft Office and Python, be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools in your previous roles. Whether it's for technical modelling or research design, showing your proficiency will give you an edge in the interview.