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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth through partnerships, fundraising, and strategic market execution.
- Company: Pioneering start-up in Cambridge focused on advanced optical technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £100,000, equity options, and performance incentives.
- Why this job: Shape the future of optical technology and lead innovative commercial strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development, fundraising, and a background in optics or engineering.
- Other info: Fast-paced, collaborative environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Director of Business Development to join the leadership team of a pioneering start-up company in Cambridge. This is a strategic role focused on driving growth through commercial partnerships, fundraising, and go-to-market execution. This position combines commercial leadership with strategic influence, helping shape the company's business roadmap and market positioning. You will lead sales, marketing, and fundraising activities to support the commercialisation of advanced optical technologies designed for next-generation extended reality devices. The company can offer a competitive salary up to £100,000 plus share options.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive sales, marketing, and fundraising strategy.
- Build and manage a qualified pipeline of enterprise customers, strategic partners, and investors.
- Identify and secure key partnerships and customer opportunities.
- Provide input on product-market fit, positioning, and commercial strategy.
- Collaborate across engineering, R&D, and leadership teams to align product and market goals.
- Represent the company at industry events, investor meetings, and trade shows.
- Deliver engaging presentations and product demonstrations to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Lead all aspects of fundraising including narrative development, investor outreach, and due diligence.
- Build and manage investor relationships, CRM, and reporting.
- Support financial modelling, KPI tracking, and investor communications.
- Identify and pursue non-dilutive funding opportunities such as grants and strategic programmes.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Proven success in business development or commercial leadership within a high-tech product or optics-based environment.
- Track record in fundraising (pre-seed, seed, or Series A) or securing non-dilutive funding.
- Experience aligning sales and marketing plans with technical product roadmaps.
- Strong ability to translate technical innovation into commercial value.
- 5-10+ years of relevant experience (10+ years for Director-level applicants).
- MBA or equivalent business training is advantageous.
What's on Offer
- Strategic leadership role in an emerging optical technology business.
- Competitive Salary up to £100,000.
- Competitive compensation with performance-based incentives.
- Equity/share options.
- Opportunity to shape both commercial strategy and long-term growth.
- Fast-paced, collaborative, and innovation-driven working environment.
How to Apply
- Option 1: Click the apply button, don't worry if you don't have an up-to-date CV, we can discuss whatever you have to hand.
- Option 2: Find Mel Glover on LinkedIn and drop me a message or connection request.
About Us
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options. We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.
For more information on this vacancy please contact us on 01143503542.
Director of Business Development in Cambridge employer: Nicholas Associates Group
Contact Detail:
Nicholas Associates Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Business Development in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, especially at events related to optical technologies. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships that could lead to partnerships or even job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with potential employers or partners, make sure to highlight your experience in business development and fundraising. We want to see you translating your technical knowledge into commercial value – that’s what sets you apart!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from the spotlight! Whether it’s giving presentations or engaging in discussions, let your passion for advanced optical technologies shine through. We believe that confidence can make a huge difference in how you’re perceived by others.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Even if your CV isn’t up-to-date, just reach out and we can chat about your experience and how it fits with the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Business Development in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director of Business Development role. Highlight your achievements in business development, fundraising, and strategic partnerships to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background in optical technologies can drive our growth. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your successes in high-tech environments and any fundraising achievements. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles, especially in commercial leadership.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. Don’t worry if your CV isn’t up-to-date; just send us what you have, and we can discuss it further!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nicholas Associates Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in optical technologies and extended reality devices. Being able to discuss how these innovations can drive business growth will show that you're not just a candidate, but a thought leader in the field.
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in developing sales and marketing strategies. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate how you've successfully built partnerships or secured funding in the past. This will highlight your strategic thinking and leadership capabilities.
✨Engage with the Team
Since this role involves collaboration across various teams, be ready to talk about how you’ve worked with engineering and R&D teams before. Share examples of how you aligned product goals with market needs, as this will show your ability to bridge technical and commercial aspects.
✨Practice Your Pitch
As you'll need to deliver engaging presentations, practice your pitch for both technical and non-technical audiences. Tailor your message to resonate with different stakeholders, and be prepared to answer questions that may arise during your presentation.