Director of Business Development

Nicholas Associates Group; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering optical technology firm in Cambridge is seeking a Director of Business Development to drive growth through commercial partnerships and fundraising. This role involves leading market strategies, building customer relationships, and shaping the company's business roadmap, with a competitive salary up to £100,000 plus share options.

Benefits

Competitive Salary up to £100,000

Performance-based incentives

Equity/share options

Collaborative working environment

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of relevant experience, with 10+ years for Director-level applicants.
• Proven success in business development or commercial leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales, marketing, and fundraising strategy.
• Build and manage a qualified pipeline of customers and investors.
• Lead fundraising activities, including narrative development.
• Collaborate with teams to align product and market goals.

Skills

Optical Engineering knowledge

Commercial leadership

Fundraising experience

Translating technical innovations

Sales and marketing alignment

Education

MBA or equivalent business training

Job description

• Posted on: 14th Nov 2025
• Job Reference: JN -112025-63854_1763115193

We are seeking an experienced Director of Business Development to join the leadership team of a pioneering start-up company in Cambridge. This is a strategic role focused on driving growth through commercial partnerships, fundraising, and go-to-market execution.

This position combines commercial leadership with strategic influence, helping shape the company's business roadmap and market positioning. You will lead sales, marketing, and fundraising activities to support the commercialisation of advanced optical technologies designed for next-generation extended reality devices. The company can offer a competitive salary up to £100,000 plus share options.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive sales, marketing, and fundraising strategy.
• Build and manage a qualified pipeline of enterprise customers, strategic partners, and investors.
• Identify and secure key partnerships and customer opportunities.
• Provide input on product-market fit, positioning, and commercial strategy.
• Collaborate across engineering, R&D, and leadership teams to align product and market goals.
• Represent the company at industry events, investor meetings, and trade shows.
• Deliver engaging presentations and product demonstrations to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Lead all aspects of fundraising including narrative development, investor outreach, and due diligence.
• Build and manage investor relationships, CRM, and reporting.
• Support financial modelling, KPI tracking, and investor communications.
• Identify and pursue non-dilutive funding opportunities such as grants and strategic programmes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven success in business development or commercial leadership within a high-tech product or optics-based environment.
• Track record in fundraising (pre‑seed, seed, or Series A) or securing non‑dilutive funding.
• Experience aligning sales and marketing plans with technical product roadmaps.
• Strong ability to translate technical innovation into commercial value.
• 5‑10+ years of relevant experience (10+ years for Director‑level applicants).
• MBA or equivalent business training is advantageous.

What's on Offer

• Strategic leadership role in an emerging optical technology business.
• Competitive Salary up to £100,000
• Competitive compensation with performance‑based incentives.
• Equity/share options.
• Opportunity to shape both commercial strategy and long‑term growth.
• Fast‑paced, collaborative, and innovation‑driven working environment.

How to Apply

• Option 1: Click the apply button, don't worry if you don't have an up‑to‑date CV, we can discuss whatever you have to hand.
• Option 2: Find Mel Glover on LinkedIn and drop me a message or connection request.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.

For more information on this vacancy please contact us on 01143503542.