Director Of Business Development

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

Job summary

A pioneering optical technology company in Cambridge seeks a Director of Business Development to drive growth through strategic partnerships and fundraising. The ideal candidate will lead sales and marketing efforts, guiding the commercialisation of advanced optical technologies for next-gen devices. This role offers a competitive salary up to £100,000 plus share options, and the opportunity to significantly impact the company's business strategy.

Benefits

Performance-based incentives

Equity/share options

Fast-paced, collaborative working environment

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of relevant experience (10+ years for Director-level applicants).
• Track record in fundraising (pre-seed, seed, or Series A) or securing non-dilutive funding.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive sales, marketing, and fundraising strategy.
• Build and manage a qualified pipeline of enterprise customers.
• Identify and secure key partnerships and customer opportunities.
• Collaborate across engineering and R&D to align product and market goals.

Skills

Knowledge of Optical Engineering

Proven success in business development

Strong ability to translate technical innovation into commercial value

Experience aligning sales and marketing plans

Education

MBA or equivalent business training

Job description

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.

Fundraising & Investor Relations

• Lead all aspects of fundraising including narrative development, investor outreach, and due diligence.
• Build and manage investor relationships, CRM, and reporting.
• Support financial model, 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.
• Performance‑based incentives.
• Equity/share options.
• Opportunity to shape both commercial strategy and long‑term growth.
• Fast‑paced, collaborative, and innovation‑driven working environment.

Sounds good, how do I 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.