At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive external engagement and income growth through innovative partnerships and consultancy.
- Company: Join the University of Lincoln, a forward-thinking institution focused on impactful research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of enterprise and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by translating research into commercial success and societal impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in business development and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 44746 - 44746 £ per year.
The University of Lincoln is strengthening its Research & Enterprise capability and is recruiting two Business Development Managers to play a pivotal role in driving external engagement, income growth and impact. These roles sit within a dynamic, forward-thinking team at the heart of the University’s ambition to deliver challenge-led, impactful research and knowledge exchange aligned to global and regional priorities.
We Are Recruiting To Two Complementary Grade 8 Roles:
- EL1259 Business Development Manager (Consultancy & Knowledge Exchange focus) - permanent, full-time at 37 hours per week.
- EL1265 Business Development Manager (Research Commercialisation focus) - fixed-term for 24 months, full-time at 37 hours per week.
You will apply to a single campaign, be assessed through a shared recruitment process, and depending on your strengths and experience, be appointed to the role best matched to your profile.
About The Roles
Consultancy & Knowledge Exchange Focus
You will drive external income generation through consultancy, collaborative R&D and KE activity, working closely with academic colleagues to translate expertise into commercial services and partnerships.
Key Aspects Of The Role Include:
- Developing and securing consultancy and KE opportunities.
- Building strong relationships with industry, public and third-sector partners.
- Leading on bids, proposals and partnership development.
- Acting as a key account manager for strategic clients.
- Identifying new markets, funding streams and commercial opportunities.
This role is outward-facing, commercially driven and centred on growing income and partnerships at scale.
Research Commercialisation Focus
You will play a leading role in identifying and shaping commercial opportunities arising from research and intellectual assets, supporting the University’s commercialisation pipeline.
Key Aspects Of The Role Include:
- Working with academics to identify research with commercial potential.
- Shaping early-stage opportunities and routes to market.
- Acting as the interface with contracts, IP and commercialisation specialists.
- Leading external engagement with potential partners, customers or licensees.
- Providing insight, analysis and coordination across the commercialisation pipeline.
This role focuses on translating research into real-world applications and commercial impact.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking experienced, proactive professionals with strong commercial awareness and a passion for innovation.
You Will Demonstrate:
- A strong track record in business development, knowledge exchange, innovation or research support.
- Experience working with external partners and building strategic relationships.
- The ability to identify, shape and develop opportunities into funded activity or partnerships.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex ideas for different audiences.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
You may bring experience from higher education, research-intensive environments, industry, or innovation ecosystems.
Why Join Us
At The University Of Lincoln, You Will:
- Work at the interface of academia, industry and innovation.
- Contribute to research addressing challenges such as food security, health, defence, energy and culture.
- Be part of a collaborative, supportive team shaping the future of enterprise and commercialisation.
- Play a visible role in delivering economic impact and regional growth.
Closing Date: 28 May 2026
Department: Administrative and Professional Services
Salary: £44,746 per annum
Please note, this post is permanent and full-time at 37 hours per week.
Strategic Partnerships & Innovation Lead in Lincoln employer: University of Lincoln
The University of Lincoln is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation at the intersection of academia and industry. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, engaging in impactful research that addresses global challenges while contributing to regional economic development. With a commitment to supporting its staff, the University provides a dynamic environment where your contributions are valued and can lead to meaningful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Partnerships & Innovation Lead in Lincoln
✨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. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Value
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure you highlight how your skills align with their needs. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your impact and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Prepare for Informal Chats
Sometimes, the best opportunities come from casual conversations. Be ready to discuss your background and aspirations in an informal setting. Practice your elevator pitch so you can confidently share your story when the moment arises.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at the University of Lincoln.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Partnerships & Innovation Lead in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific roles. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use concrete examples of how you've driven income growth or built strategic partnerships in previous roles. We love seeing real impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your application is easy to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Lincoln
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role and its key aspects. Familiarise yourself with the University of Lincoln's research priorities and how they align with industry needs. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Build Your Narrative
Prepare a compelling story about your previous experiences in business development, knowledge exchange, or innovation. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully built strategic relationships or identified new commercial opportunities. This will showcase your ability to translate complex ideas into actionable plans.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
During the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the university's goals. Inquire about their current partnerships or future projects. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career aspirations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to explain complex concepts in simple terms, as you may need to do this with various stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to engage effectively with different audiences.
