At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful business support programmes and engage with local SMEs.
- Company: Join the University of East London, a hub for innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to local businesses while supporting student enterprise skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and project management; relevant Master's degree required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 58000 £ per year.
Salary: £52,307 to £59,913 per annum inclusive of London Weighting
Location: Docklands Campus
Post Type: Full Time
Contract Length: 18 months
Closing Date: Friday 13 February 2026
Reference: 1038-25-PS-R
About Us
At the University of East London (UEL), we are reimagining education for the future. Our Royal Docks School of Business and Law (RDSBL) is a dynamic and inclusive community, rooted in one of the UK’s most diverse and entrepreneurial regions. We are committed to delivering a careers-first education that equips our students with the skills, experiences, and networks needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.
RDSBL’s student body is rich in diversity, drawn from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups. We are proud to offer a high-quality, innovative, and research-led teaching experience that is both relevant and empowering. We seek outstanding educators and professionals who are passionate about making a difference, those who inspire and motivate both students and colleagues, and who are dedicated to achieving excellent outcomes in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
This is a particularly exciting time to join us as we expand our business engagement and enterprise activity, working closely with local industries, SMEs, and community partners in support of UEL’s Vision 2028 strategy.
About The Job
We are seeking a proactive and experienced Business Engagement and Support Manager to lead the development and delivery of high-impact business support programmes. You will play a key role in strengthening RDSBL’s engagement with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), acting as a vital bridge between the university and the local business ecosystem.
This role involves managing business support initiatives such as incubators, accelerators, and the Help to Grow programme. You will be responsible for stakeholder engagement, community outreach, programme delivery, and partnership development. From coordinating impactful events to producing evaluation reports, your work will help enhance the university’s contribution to economic growth and innovation.
You will also collaborate closely with academic colleagues to integrate business engagement into teaching and research, and support student involvement in enterprise activities.
About You
You are an experienced professional with a background in business development, entrepreneurship, or SME support. You have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by local businesses and are passionate about helping them succeed.
You bring excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills and have experience delivering multi-stakeholder initiatives. A relevant Master’s degree and a business coaching qualification are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively across academic and external communities.
Ideally, you also have experience working in a university or higher education setting, and familiarity with government-funded business support schemes.
If you’re committed to making a tangible difference to local businesses while supporting our students and staff in developing their enterprise skills, we’d love to hear from you.
Join us and help shape the future of business and enterprise at UEL.
Benefits Package
At UEL, we believe that a great role is about more than just a salary. It’s about the complete package, including our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture. We offer a genuinely competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE), and a range of excellent benefits.
Building an Inclusive Future
As an inclusive, equal-opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and we’re committed to closing the diversity pay gap. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and honest that there’s more to do. We’re determined to keep moving forward so everyone at UEL can thrive.
We’re a disability confident employer and value all applications. Please let us know if you require any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.
If you’re ready to join a University that values your outstanding skills and perspectives and is dedicated to making a difference, we invite you to explore a career with us. We are excited to welcome versatile individuals who are committed to advancing their careers while making a positive impact on the world.
Please note that this advert may close earlier than the deadline if we receive many applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Further Details
To contact the recruitment team please phone +44 20 8223 3000 x 4600 or e-mail jobs@uel.ac.uk. CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.
At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive.
Business Engagement & Support Manager employer: University of East London
Contact Detail:
University of East London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Engagement & Support Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about building relationships that can lead to opportunities.
✨Show Up Prepared
When you land an interview, do your homework! Research the company, understand their values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Follow Up
After an interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It’s a simple way to express your appreciation and keep your name fresh in their minds. Plus, it shows you’re professional and courteous.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply directly through our website for the best chance of landing that job! We love seeing applications come in from motivated candidates who are eager to join our team at UEL.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Engagement & Support Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Business Engagement & Support Manager. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at UEL!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting local businesses and engaging with students shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely excited about making a difference in the community.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements, so we can easily see how you fit the bill for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and is considered in the recruitment process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of East London
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the role of Business Engagement & Support Manager. Familiarise yourself with UEL's Vision 2028 strategy and how it relates to local businesses. Being able to discuss specific initiatives or challenges faced by SMEs will show your genuine interest and understanding.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share concrete examples from your past roles that highlight your project management and stakeholder engagement skills. Think about times when you successfully delivered multi-stakeholder initiatives or supported local businesses, as these experiences will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the university's current business support programmes and how they integrate with academic activities. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with academic colleagues and community partners, be ready to discuss your collaborative experiences. Highlight how you've successfully worked across different teams or sectors to achieve common goals, as this is crucial for the position.