Business Development Director in London

The BD Director provides strategic and operational leadership to grow the Society’s reach, relevance, and impact. The role centres on delivering measurable outcomes in membership recruitment and engagement, expanding SUT’s training and education portfolio, strengthening Special Interest Groups (SIGs), and building partnerships that enhance value for members and advance the Society’s mission across the global ocean technology, engineering, and science community.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Development
  • Define and lead the implementation of the Society’s Business Development strategy and plan in line with the overall SUT strategy and taking account of evolving sector needs, technological changes, and competitive landscape.
  • Deliver measurable growth in individual and corporate membership, ensuring clear and visible value for all members, against targets agreed with Council/Exec Comm.
  • Strengthen collaboration and consistency across SUT’s global branches to ensure a cohesive member experience and ensure that the SUT brand is protected appropriately and that Society policies are followed.
  • Build partnerships that enhance member services, professional development, and networking opportunities.
  • Ensure the society is represented appropriately at those industry conferences and exhibitions which bring business opportunities.
  • Responsible for the continued updating and execution of SUT’s strategy document to ensure the society continues to grow through the branches, SIGs and sponsorship at events.
• Training and Professional Development
  • Expand, modernise, and promote SUT’s training portfolio to meet evolving industry and member needs working with the SIGs.
  • Establish partnerships with industry, academia, and training providers to develop accredited and financially sustainable learning pathways.
  • Position SUT as a global leader in technical education and professional development within the underwater technology, science and engineering communities.
• Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Events
  • Reinvigorate SUT’s SIGs as active, collaborative communities that drive innovation and technical excellence.
  • Facilitate collaboration between SIGs, branches, and external partners to increase knowledge sharing and visibility of SUT expertise.
  • Oversee the delivery of conferences, seminars, and workshops that strengthen professional networks and highlight SUT’s global influence.
• Education and Public Engagement
  • Lead initiatives to inspire and support the next generation of underwater technologists and ocean professionals.
  • Build partnerships with schools, universities, and outreach organisations to promote STEM participation and ocean literacy.
  • Represent SUT as a respected voice for sustainable and responsible use of ocean resources in engagement with policymakers, media, and the public.
• Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration
  • Establish and manage partnerships that deliver tangible member benefits, including access to training, research, and career opportunities.
  • Build collaborative relationships with aligned professional bodies, learned societies, and research institutions to amplify SUT’s influence and visibility.
  • Ensure all partnerships directly contribute to SUT’s mission and deliver measurable value to members.
• Leadership, Governance, and Operations
  • Lead and develop a small, high-performing team committed to delivering the Society’s goals efficiently and effectively through an effective finance/administration manager and team.
  • Ensure robust governance, compliance, and accountability across all SUT activities and branches.
  • Work closely with the Executive Committee and Council to execute strategic priorities and report on performance outcomes.
  • Oversee the continued improvement of digital platforms and communications to strengthen member interaction and engagement.

Skills and Experience

• Proven leadership experience within a membership-based, technical, or professional organisation.
• Demonstrated success in growing membership, revenue, and engagement through innovative programmes and partnerships.
• Track record of building collaborations that deliver measurable value for members and stakeholders.
• Strategic, financial, and operational management capabilities.
• Deep understanding of the ocean technology, engineering, and science community, and key sectors of the ocean economy.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent SUT credibly at national and international levels.

The SUT has no permanent offices. The role would be nominally home based with the expectation of travel in the UK to branches, conferences and other events with occasional overseas travel. The role may be suitable for a 4-day working week – to be negotiated.