Senior Business Development Manager

Rothamsted Research; Hatching Green; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days' annual leave

Generous Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Professional Development opportunities

Free on-site car parking

Job summary

Rothamsted Enterprises Limited (REL) is recruiting a Senior Business Development Manager to drive revenue growth and strategic partnerships across Rothamsted Campus. You will lead commercial growth, manage relationships with industry, SMEs and investors, and translate scientific capabilities into market-ready services.

The role reports to the CEO and requires experience in technical sales within agri-science, life sciences or sustainability sectors, plus leadership responsibilities and a UK

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in business development or technical sales.
• Proven revenue generation and partnerships with external stakeholders.
• Experience selling complex scientific, technical, consultancy or innovation services.
• Strong relationship management, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Full, valid UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a commercial growth strategy aligned with organisational objectives.
• Identify, qualify and secure new business opportunities across scientific services, consultancy, contract research support, training and innovation programmes.
• Build and manage a robust business development pipeline from lead generation through to contract completion.
• Develop compelling commercial propositions that translate scientific expertise into market-facing solutions.
• Identify new revenue streams and negotiate commercial agreements.
• Lead, coach and support direct reports to achieve commercial objectives.
• Monitor sales performance, CRM systems, forecasting tools and reporting processes.

Job description

Salary: Competitive: £50k per annum plus up to £20k performance bonus.

Contract: 1-year fixed-term contract, full-time, 37 hours per week.

Reporting to: CEO

Location: Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ

Are you seeking a new Business Development Role?

Are you an experienced Senior Business Development Manager?

Are you looking for a new and exciting challenge?

Would you like to lead commercial growth in one of the world's leading Agri-Science & Innovation across the Rothamsted campus?

Rothamsted Enterprises Ltd (REL) has a newly created role and is seeking an ambitious and commercially focused Senior Business Development Manager to drive revenue growth, industry engagement and strategic partnerships across the Rothamsted Campus. A truly unique chance to work at the intersection of world-leading science, innovation, and industry

If you are a Senior Business Development Manager, experienced in technical sales and business development, with a proven track record of successfully selling complex scientific, technical or innovation-led products and services, we would like to hear from you.

What Will You Be Doing

As a Senior Business Development Manager, you are an experienced technical sales and business development professional with a proven track record of successfully selling complex scientific, technical or innovation-led products and services. As a member of the Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation Team, you will play a pivotal role in translating scientific excellence into commercial impact, working with the CEO, researchers, innovation managers, knowledge exchange colleagues and customers to strengthen external relationships and translate into sustainable income and growth.

Identify and secure commercial opportunities, promoting the Campus's scientific capabilities and specialist facilities, and building long-term partnerships across agriculture, Agri-tech, food systems, sustainability, biotechnology and environmental sectors.

You will be responsible for the line management, leadership and direction of the Business Development Co-ordinator responsible for the sale and occupancy of office and laboratory space, as well as meetings, events and conference facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Growth & Business Development

• Develop and implement a commercial growth strategy aligned with organisational objectives.
• Identify, qualify and secure new business opportunities across scientific services, consultancy, contract research support, training and innovation programmes.
• Build and manage a robust business development pipeline from lead generation through to contract completion.
• Develop compelling commercial propositions that translate scientific expertise into market-facing solutions.
• Identify new revenue streams and negotiate commercial agreements.

Relationship Management & Market Development

• Build and maintain relationships with industry partners, SMEs, corporates, investors, public-sector organisations and innovation networks.
• Represent Rothamsted Campus at conferences, exhibitions and industry events.
• Identify emerging market trends, customer needs and growth opportunities.
• Develop long-term strategic partnerships that strengthen the Campus ecosystem.

Scientific Services & Consultancy Sales

• Promote access to scientific facilities, specialist equipment, consultancy services and technical expertise.
• Work with researchers and technical specialists to develop commercially attractive service offerings.
• Ensure customers receive outstanding service and clear value from their engagement with Rothamsted Campus.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, coach and support direct reports to achieve commercial objectives.
• Work collaboratively across the Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation Team and wider Campus community.
• Support knowledge exchange, innovation and enterprise initiatives across the organisation.

Performance & Reporting

• Monitor sales performance, business development activity and commercial outcomes.
• Maintain CRM systems, forecasting tools and reporting processes.
• Track KPIs and provide regular performance updates to senior leadership.
• Contribute to business planning, budgeting and strategic reviews.

About You

• A self‑motivated individual with significant experience in business development, commercial growth or technical/scientific sales.
• Proven track record of generating revenue and securing commercial partnerships.
• Experience selling complex scientific, technical, consultancy or innovation services. Alongside an understanding of the agriculture, Agri‑tech, biotechnology, life sciences, sustainability or innovation sectors.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, communication, influencing and negotiation skills
• Demonstrable experience negotiating commercial agreements and managing high‑value opportunities.
• Understanding of the agriculture, agri‑tech, biotechnology, life sciences, sustainability or innovation sectors.
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking capability.
• Full, valid UK driving licence.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends and bank holidays when required.

What We Offer You

Working in the heart of a truly unique environment with a friendly and supportive team, the package includes:

• Competitive salary and bonus package.
• 25 days' annual leave plus an extra day off for your birthday
• Generous Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional Development opportunities
• Free on‑site car parking

Interviews commence from the 23rd November 2026

About The Company

Rothamsted Enterprises Limited (REL) was established in 2015 by its shareholders: The Lawes Agricultural Trust, Rothamsted Research and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). REL is a commercial organisation that generates income which is gifted back to its partners to support the world-leading science and research undertaken by Rothamsted Research. Rothamsted Enterprises manages a diverse commercial portfolio, including substantial office and laboratory space, a modern 300-seat conference centre, and a thriving Campus Café.

Our mission is to enable Rothamsted to thrive as an internationally recognised agri-systems research and innovation ecosystem for entrepreneurs, businesses, investors and researchers.

• Innovation: We shape our future
• Sustainability: We are aware of our impact
• Enterprise: We drive excellence
• Community: We empower connections
• Communication: Communication is our foundation
• Teamwork: We are stronger together

As a Disability Confident Employer we are committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process and all disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview. If this is required, please contact us. Applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or age are welcomed, providing the required criteria is met.