Business Development Manager (Swindon) - 16969

Brunel University London; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Discretionary closure days

Training and development opportunities

Great pension scheme

Health-related support

Job summary

Brunel University of London in Swindon is seeking a Business Development Manager to build strategic relationships with industry, government and academia and to generate income through skills, education and innovation activities.

You will act as the lead university partner for the Swindon cluster, shaping external engagement strategies, identifying collaboration opportunities and aligning industry capability with Brunel’s research strengths. This is a permanent, full-time role with hybrid working.

Responsibilities

• Build strategic relationships with industry, government and academia.
• Generate income through skills, education and innovation activities.
• Position Brunel as lead university partner for the Swindon cluster.
• Develop and deliver a strategy for external engagement with key stakeholders across the Swindon industrial cluster.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and support the development of strategic partnerships.
• Align industry capability with Brunel’s research and innovation strengths.

Job description

Location: Swindon

Salary: Grade 8 from: £45,990 to £59,043 inclusive of London Weighting with potential to progress to £66,114 per annum, inclusive of London Weighting, through sustained exceptional contribution (pro-rata if part-time).

Hours: Full-time

Contract Type: Permanent

In a significant strategic development, Brunel University of London is investing in strengthening its engagement with the UK industrial ecosystem, with a particular focus on the Swindon and Wiltshire cluster. This dynamic and growing cluster comprises a diverse range of SMEs and prime contractors operating across advanced manufacturing, digital systems, materials, natural hazard and defence technologies, contributing significantly to UK national security and economic growth.

The Business Development Manager will build strategic relationships with industry, government and academia, generate income through skills, education and innovation activities, and position Brunel as the lead university partner for the cluster. The Business Development Manager will play a central role in developing and delivering a strategy for external engagement with key stakeholders across the Swindon industrial cluster. This will include identifying opportunities for collaboration, supporting the development of strategic partnerships, and aligning industry capability with Brunel’s research and innovation strengths. These include areas such as advanced manufacturing, digital engineering, AI and data-driven systems, materials and systems engineering, marketing and business management and skills development.

The post-holder will be required to liaise extensively with external stakeholders including industrial partners in the Swindon area, supply chain SMEs, industry bodies, government agencies, and other national and regional partners. They will build and sustain strategic collaborations that support joint research, innovation projects, workforce development, and access to funding opportunities. The role will also contribute to shaping Brunel’s position within relevant national initiatives and consortia.

The post-holder will have primary responsibility for engagement with organisations within the Swindon industrial cluster and will be part of a wider team of Business Development Managers in RSDO, sharing intelligence, networks, and opportunities to maximise impact across the University’s external partnerships portfolio. The post-holder will also work closely with the Associate Director of Student Professional Development and the Head of Skills Development & Further Learning.

• generous annual leave package
• discretionary University closure days
• excellent training and development opportunities
• great occupational pension scheme
• a range of health-related support

The University is committed to a hybrid working approach.

Closing date for applications: Friday 16 October 2026 (23:59)

Interviews will take place: Week Commencing Monday 26 October

All Applicants should be eligible to live and work in the UK for the duration of any offer of appointment.

Brunel University of London is fully committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive workforce culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, we particularly welcome applicants who are currently under-represented in our workforce.