Senior Business Development Manager

Aston University; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 47,389 - 56,535; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave scheme

Dynamic working arrangement

Training and development opportunities

Discounted gym and pool membership

Family-friendly policies

Everyday discounts at retailers

Job summary

A prominent UK university located in Birmingham is seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to lead initiatives within their College of Health and Life Sciences. This key role requires proven experience in strategic business development within research or higher education, along with a strong commercial mindset and excellent communication skills. The position offers a dynamic working environment, competitive salary, and various benefits, including generous annual leave and training opportunities. This is a chance to impact research and innovation significantly.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic business development within a research-intensive or higher education environment.
• Strong track record of securing large-scale industrial research and innovation funding.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive business development initiatives within the College of Health and Life Sciences.
• Nurture strategic partnerships and secure collaborative research opportunities.
• Lead complex funding bids and empower research and innovation initiatives.

Skills

Strategic business development

Commercial mindset

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Job description

Senior Business Development Manager at Aston University

This range is provided by Aston University. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Senior Business Development Manager

Location: Aston University, John Cadbury House

Salary: £47,389 to £56,535 per annum

Grade: Grade 09

Contract Type: Permanent

Basis: Full Time

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Monday, 02 February 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Reference: R250116

Release Date: Thursday, 01 January 2026

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and industry collaboration? Aston University is seeking a dynamic Senior Business Development Manager to drive business development initiatives within our College of Health and Life Sciences.

Aston University's 2030 Strategy sets out a bold vision to become a leading university of science, technology, and enterprise, with a transformational impact on students, staff, businesses, and communities. The University is recognised as a sector leader in knowledge exchange, achieving top ratings for both working with business and local growth and regeneration in the most recent Knowledge Exchange Framework, and we are also recognised for our pioneering work in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, where we rank amongst the leading institutions across the UK.

This is a key leadership role, reporting to the Director of Knowledge Exchange, where you’ll nurture strategic partnerships, secure collaborative research opportunities, and help shape our future growth. Working closely with academic teams, external partners, and internal colleagues, you’ll lead complex funding bids, empower research and innovation initiatives, and elevate the University’s profile as a hub for enterprise and impact.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Proven experience in strategic business development within a research-intensive or higher education environment.
• A strong commercial mindset and track record of securing large-scale industrial research and innovation funding.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and project management skills.

This is your chance to join a supportive, forward-thinking team and make a real difference in shaping the future of research and innovation at Aston University.

What we offer:

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• The role is offered as 'dynamic working', which means working both on campus and from home, dependent on the activity, with at least 3 days on site per week.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days' bookable leave and a further 13 days' bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts on a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family-friendly policies.
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.
• This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
• If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess your eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role.
• Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.
• See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

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