At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new team to build partnerships and connect students with employers.
- Company: Join University College Birmingham, a TEF Silver rated institution.
- Benefits: Generous leave, excellent pension, subsidised healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and a dynamic environment await you.
- Why this job: Shape the future of student-employer engagement and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Ambitious, commercially minded, and collaborative individuals are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 58225 - 61759 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham - Hybrid opportunities available
Salary: £58,225 - £61,759 per annum
Job type: Permanent, Full-time
UCB is an equal opportunities employer. We are TEF rated Silver, with a Good Ofsted rating.
The Role:
Join University College Birmingham at a pivotal moment as we build a new Business and Employer Engagement team designed to put industry partnerships at the heart of the UCB experience. This new function will drive a step-change in how the University works with employers - connecting businesses with talent, skills, enterprise, innovation and specialist expertise across our academic schools.
Whether through placements, apprenticeships, CPD, consultancy, live projects, events, CRM insight or student enterprise, this team will turn UCB's 'Putting Knowledge to Work' strategy into visible impact for students, employers and the wider region.
We are looking for ambitious, commercially minded and collaborative people who want to help shape something new, build meaningful partnerships, and play a direct role in opening opportunities for students and businesses alike.
As Head of Business Development, you will play a key role in turning UCB's employer engagement ambition into action. Acting as the bridge between strategy and delivery, you will lead a new business development team, drive high-value partnerships, support income generation, and ensure a joined-up approach to employer engagement across the University.
This is a senior, visible role for someone who can lead people, build credibility with employers, spot commercial opportunities and translate big ideas into measurable impact for students, the institution and external partners.
Benefits:
- Generous allocation of annual leave
- 29 days' paid leave per year
- 12 Bank Holidays & Concessionary Days
- Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme
- Employer Contributions - 20.9%
- Subsidised private healthcare provided by Aviva including a Digital GP Service
- Employee Assistance Programme inclusive of counselling services, financial wellbeing support and bereavement support
- Annual health MOTs with our Registered Nurse
- Excellent staff development opportunities including professional qualification sponsorship
- A variety of salary sacrifice schemes including technology home and cycle
- Heavily-subsidised on-site car parking in central Birmingham
- Hybrid working opportunities
- Free on-site gym membership
Extra Information:
All applicants for employment at the University will be expected to undertake an Enhanced Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service prior to commencement. All applicants for employment at the University will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of Safeguarding and the PREVENT agenda in the context of further and higher education.
Closing Date - 31st May 2026
Interview Date - 12th June 2026
The University is an equal opportunities employer.
Please click APPLY to be redirected to our website to complete an application form.
Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles of New Business Manager, Lead Generation, Partnerships Manager, Client Success, Sales Account Manager, Student Placement Sales, Partnership Engagement will also be considered for this role.
Head of Business Development in Birmingham employer: University College Birmingham
Contact Detail:
University College Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Development in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and local meetups to connect with potential employers. Remember, it’s all about building relationships that can lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a personal website or LinkedIn profile that highlights your achievements and projects. This is your chance to showcase what you can bring to the table in a visually appealing way.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in terms of employer engagement and partnership building.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Development in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Business Development role. Highlight your experience in building partnerships and driving business growth, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at UCB!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about employer engagement and how you can contribute to our vision. Be sure to mention specific examples of your past successes in similar roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As this is a senior role, we’re looking for strong leadership qualities. In your application, share experiences where you've led teams or projects successfully. We want to know how you inspire others and drive results!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University College Birmingham
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research University College Birmingham and its mission. Understand their 'Putting Knowledge to Work' strategy and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
As a Head of Business Development, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to spot commercial opportunities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully identified and capitalised on such opportunities. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can translate into high-value partnerships for UCB.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
This role requires a collaborative approach. Think of instances where you've worked effectively with diverse teams or stakeholders. Highlight your ability to build credibility and foster relationships with employers, as this will be crucial in driving employer engagement at UCB.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about the new Business and Employer Engagement team and UCB's vision for the future. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.