At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth through partnerships, fundraising, and market strategies in a pioneering start-up.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge optical technology start-up in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £100,000 plus share options and performance incentives.
- Other info: Fast-paced, collaborative environment with opportunities for strategic leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of extended reality devices and lead innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and knowledge of optical engineering preferred.
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.
Director of Business Development in Peterborough employer: Nicholas Associates
Join a pioneering start-up in Cambridge as the Director of Business Development, where you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of advanced optical technologies. The company offers a competitive salary up to £100,000, equity options, and a fast-paced, collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and strategic growth. With ample opportunities for professional development and the chance to lead impactful initiatives, this is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Business Development in Peterborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and let them know you're on the hunt for a Director of Business Development role. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than any application.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up at industry events and trade shows. This is your chance to represent yourself and the company you want to join. Bring your A-game for presentations and engage with potential partners and investors—make those connections count!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to recruiters or hiring managers. A quick message on LinkedIn can go a long way. Just be genuine and express your interest in the role; it shows initiative and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
When you apply through our website, make sure to highlight your unique skills and experiences that align with the job description. Tailor your approach to showcase how you can drive growth and innovation in the company!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Business Development in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Business Development role. Highlight your experience in business development, fundraising, and strategic partnerships. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
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 makes you the perfect fit. Be sure to mention any relevant experience in optical technologies or high-tech environments.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Quantify your successes where possible, like revenue growth or successful partnerships. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Don’t worry if your CV isn’t up-to-date; we’re happy to discuss what you have. Just hit that apply button and let’s get started!
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. Understand 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 Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the company’s vision, challenges, and market positioning. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role aligns with your career goals.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Since you'll be delivering presentations and product demos, practice articulating complex technical concepts in a way that's easy to understand for non-technical audiences. This will showcase your ability to bridge the gap between technology and commercial value.
