Business Development Officer

The National Oceanography Centre; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

10% pension contribution

Death in Service

Relocation assistance

EV salary sacrifice

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle2Work

Social events

Living Wage Employer

Job summary

National Oceanography Centre in Southampton or Liverpool is seeking a Business Development Officer to support a broad range of commercial activities, including market research, proposal writing, customer engagement and attendance of industry events.

Working alongside business development, scientific and technical colleagues, they will help develop and promote commercial offerings, supporting activities from initial idea through to delivery.

Qualifications

• Some experience in a commercial, customer-facing, research or project support environment would be beneficial.
• Willingness to learn and develop your business development skills

Responsibilities

• The Business Development Officer will support a broad range of commercial activities, including market research, proposal writing, customer engagement and attendance of industry events.
• Working alongside business development, scientific and technical colleagues, they will help develop and promote commercial offerings, supporting activities from initial idea through to delivery.

Job description

Business Development Officer

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton or Liverpool

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£45,233 - £49,619

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.

Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to support our Business Development team in developing opportunities, reaching new customers and generating sustainable income that contributes to NOC’s scientific mission and delivers positive impacts for society.

The Business Development Officer will support a broad range of commercial activities, including market research, proposal writing, customer engagement and attendance of industry events.

Working alongside business development, scientific and technical colleagues, they will help develop and promote commercial offerings, supporting activities from initial idea through to delivery.

The role will also help build relationships with prospective customers and partners across a range of sectors, working closely with the Business Development team and supporting the wider team.

About you

We are looking for a proactive and curious individual with an interest in connecting science and technology with real-world challenges. You will bring strong communication, research and organisational skills, alongside the ability to work collaboratively, manage varied tasks and build positive relationships.

Some experience in a commercial, customer-facing, research or project support environment would be beneficial, together with a willingness to learn and develop your business development skills

Why NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

• 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
• a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
• Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
• financial support for relocation
• a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
• access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
• a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
• a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations

We are proud to be a Living Wage Employer

Location

This position can be based in Southampton or Liverpool. Our Southampton site is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points. The Liverpool centre is part of the University campus and is only a short walk from the city centre and Lime Street station.

We have a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability.

Date advert posted: 27 October 2026.

Closing date: 18 November 2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.