Business Relationship Officer

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is looking for a Business Relationship Officer to enhance collaboration between academia and industry. This role involves developing business contacts, delivering training programs, and managing Knowledge Transfer Partnership projects. You will be part of a dynamic team focused on fostering partnerships that drive innovation and economic growth. If you are passionate about bridging the gap between research and business, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Support for job-share and part-time roles

Qualifications

• Experience in business relationship management and knowledge exchange.
• Strong project management skills with a focus on collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Identify and manage new business contacts and intelligence.
• Develop training programs for academics and business partners.

Skills

Business Development

Project Management

Training Program Development

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Tools

Knowledge Management Systems

CRM Software

Job description

Closing date:

23:59 GMT 5th June 2025

Interviews will be held:

16th June 2025

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the university's website.

Ensuring the wider economic and societal benefits from its research is a key objective of the University of Reading as we respond to the strategic drive by Government and key funders for universities to deliver greater benefit for our locality, the country, and wider world.

This is an area of existing strength of the University with an extensive track record of working with businesses and other non-academic organizations, and it is currently undertaking a major programme of further ambitious growth.

The Business Relationship Officer sits within the Knowledge Exchange & External Partnerships team (KEEP), which leads on the development of the University’s collaborative work with non-academic organizations known as Knowledge Exchange (KE).

Working with KEEP and other university colleagues, the Business Relationship Officer will contribute to:

• The identification, development, and management of new and early-stage business contacts and business intelligence.
• Developing and delivering internal training programmes to support academics and external business partners to work together more effectively.
• Ensuring the effective running of Knowledge Transfer Partnership projects.
• Promoting collaboration with the wider Research Engagement & Innovation Office (REIO), priority academic areas, and other key professional services.

Team Structure

This role is within Knowledge Exchange & External Partnerships (KEEP), which is part of the wider Research Engagement & Innovation Office (REIO). KEEP comprises four main teams: Business Relationship Management, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, Commercialisation, and Consultancy. Its remit covers a broad range of Knowledge Exchange activities. This role will primarily, but not exclusively, work with the Business Relationship Management and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships teams.

Contact Information

Contact Name: Dr Guy Hembury

Job Title: Director of Knowledge Exchange, Commercialisation & Partnerships

Email: [e-mail]

Alternative Contact Name: Dr Fiona McLachlan

Job Title: Business Relationship Manager

Email: [e-mail]

Equality and Diversity Statement

The University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We support the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champion LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.