Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth through partnerships, fundraising, and market strategies in a pioneering start-up.
- Company: Innovative start-up in Cambridge focused on advanced optical technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £100,000, share options, and performance incentives.
- Why this job: Shape the future of optical technology and lead strategic initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development, fundraising, and technical product alignment.
- Other info: Fast-paced, collaborative environment with opportunities for innovation and growth.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 120000 £ 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.
Fundraising & Investor Relations:
- 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.
Sounds good, how do I 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.
Director of Business Development in Cambridge employer: Nicholas Associates
Contact Detail:
Nicholas Associates 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 at events, trade shows, or even on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Director of Business Development role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to present or demo, make it engaging and relevant. Remember, you're not just selling a product; you're selling yourself as the perfect fit for the company’s vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to potential partners and investors directly, and let them know how you can add value to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your foot in the door. Plus, we’re all about making the application process smooth, so don’t stress if your CV isn’t perfect—just get in touch!
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. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your success in commercial leadership and fundraising. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles, especially in high-tech environments.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. Don’t stress if your CV isn’t perfect; we’re more interested in your potential and what you can bring to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nicholas Associates
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in optical technologies and business development strategies. Familiarise yourself with the company's products and how they fit into the market. This will help you speak confidently about how you can drive growth and secure partnerships.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your success in business development, fundraising, and strategic partnerships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and demonstrate your impact.
✨Engage with the Team
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you would collaborate with engineering, R&D, and leadership teams. Show that you understand the importance of aligning product and market goals, and be prepared to share ideas on how to foster that collaboration.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company’s vision and challenges. Inquire about their current partnerships, fundraising strategies, or how they envision the future of their products in the extended reality space. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.