Business Development Manager

Leeds Beckett University; Leeds; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK university is seeking a proactive Business Development Manager to lead their Knowledge Exchange agenda. The candidate will drive innovative partnerships and generate sustainable income streams in areas like sustainable communities and health. Significant experience in business development is required. The role offers access to generous benefits including pension schemes and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Generous pension schemes

Excellent holiday entitlements

Flexible working

Reduced study fees

Subsidised fitness facilities

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a business development role, ideally in higher education.
• Proven track record in generating enterprise income and securing contracts over £100K.
• Strong understanding of knowledge exchange and academic enterprise.

Responsibilities

• Identify and manage business development opportunities aligned with university themes.
• Build strong internal and external relationships for academic enterprise services.
• Lead proposal development with multi-disciplinary teams.

Skills

Business development

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Communication skills

Negotiation

Bid-writing

Job description

Overview

At Leeds Beckett University, we're seeking a proactive and strategic Business Development Manager to drive forward our Knowledge Exchange agenda. This is a key leadership role within the Knowledge Exchange Team, reporting directly to the Head of Business Partnerships, and managing the Knowledge Exchange Manager.

You’ll be instrumental in connecting our academic expertise to the external market, shaping innovative partnerships, and generating sustainable income streams across areas such as Greener, Sustainable Communities, Sport and Healthy Communities, and Inclusive, Prosperous Communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, secure, and manage business development opportunities aligned to the university’s strategic themes.
• Build and maintain strong internal and external relationships to develop and deliver academic enterprise services (e.g. CPD, consultancy, contract research, and KTPs).
• Lead the development of proposals and tender submissions with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Line manage the Knowledge Exchange Manager and ensure effective delivery of our city centre space, The Knowledge Exchange and its activities. ( The Knowledge Exchange | Leeds Beckett University )
• Act as client manager for a portfolio of organisations, ensuring long-term engagement and value.
• Work with Research Development Managers to align industry partnerships with UKRI and other funding opportunities.

Qualifications / Experience

• Significant experience (3+ years) in a business development role, ideally within higher education or a related sector.
• A proven track record in generating enterprise income and securing high-value contracts (e.g. £100K+).
• A collaborative approach with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and bid-writing skills.
• A strong understanding of knowledge exchange, academic enterprise, and the wider business support landscape.

To arrange an informal discussion about this post, please contact Natalie Allen (Head of Business Partnerships) at [e-mail].

Working here means you’ll also have access to a wide range of benefits including our generous pension schemes, excellent holiday entitlements, flexible working, reduced study fees, subsidised fitness facilities and a lot more.

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