Incubator Hub Business Development Manager (Fixed Term)

The University of Nottingham; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university is seeking a Business Development Manager to lead the Food & Drink Incubator Hub at Sutton Bonington. The role involves establishing sustainable models for industry engagement, driving income generation, and connecting with stakeholders to foster collaborative innovation in the food sector. This full-time position offers an opportunity to impact the local economy significantly and will provide an excellent environment for professional growth and networking efforts until July 2027.

Qualifications

• Experience in business development or related roles.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to drive collaborative innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment and growth of the Food & Drink Incubator Hub.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop sustainable models for service provision.

Skills

Industry-academic engagement

Income generation

Networking

Knowledge exchange

Job description

Business Development Manager (BDM) – Food & Drink Incubator Hub

Applications are invited for a Business Development Manager (BDM) to lead the establishment and growth of the Food & Drink Incubator Hub at Sutton Bonington. This role is integrated into the Food Systems Institute (FSI) and the Food Innovation Centre (FIC) at the University of Nottingham’s Sutton Bonington Campus, offering the chance to be part of a strategic initiative to create a commercial ecosystem that enables food and drink manufacturers to access university infrastructure, services, and expertise.

As a BDM, you will work closely with internal stakeholders across departments (e.g. University of Nottingham Innovation Park (UNIP), Estates, FSI, FIC, School of Biosciences) and external partners to develop a sustainable model for space rental, service provision, and collaborative innovation. You will drive income generation, enhance industry‑academic engagement, and support the University's Research & Knowledge Exchange Strategic Delivery Plan.

A key part of the role will involve building strong connections with industry stakeholders, enabling knowledge exchange and supporting collaborative innovation that enhances both the academic environment and a productive food and drink business environment at Sutton Bonington Campus.

This post offers an excellent opportunity to develop new skills, grow your professional networks, and make a tangible impact on food and drink economic development in the East Midlands. You will be part of a vibrant community of professional staff and technologists working at the forefront of food and drink manufacturing, with the support and resources to shape meaningful change in the UK food system.

This is a full‑time post (36.25 hours) and is available immediately, funded for one year until 31 July 2027. Job share arrangements may be considered. Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to [e-mail]. Please note applications sent to this email will not be accepted.