Business Development Manager

The Role

The Business Development Manager (Faculty of Business and Social Sciences) will be instrumental in delivering Kingston University’s Townhouse strategy by working closely with academics and management of the Faculty, and the Business, Behaviour and Policy Knowledge Exchange and Research Institute (KERI), and a broad network of external partners on a range of Knowledge Exchange opportunities. Key activities include consultancy, CPD, short courses, summer schools, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, and generating income from intellectual property rights. The role also involves strengthening KE partnerships that create social value, working with networks of other UK universities. This role is within the Knowledge Exchange and Innovation function and based at both Kingston Hill and Penrhyn Road campuses.

The post holder will engage extensively with a variety of stakeholders including businesses, public services, charities, and communities, to establish strategic partnerships, raise the University’s profile, and drive KE and commercial income growth. Strong client relationship management, commercial acumen, and the ability to negotiate and finalize agreements are essential.

The Person

The ideal candidate is a proactive, solution-driven business development professional with a strong track record of delivering results. Strong communication skills, commercial awareness, and the ability to work flexibly and cooperatively within a team are essential. The candidate should demonstrate expertise in Business or Social Science business-university collaborations, strategic partnership development, and income generation. Knowledge or experience of new social venture creation would also be an advantage.

Directorate/Function

The Academic Services Directorate includes Research & Impact, Knowledge Exchange, Academic Registry, Quality Assurance and Enhancement, the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Centre and Planning. Collectively the Directorate supports academics in their research and KE activities and supports some of the University’s governance and decision-making committees, maintains academic regulations, develops and implements academic policies, oversees the quality and standards of academic provision and leads the development of education practices across the University.

The Directorate is responsible for stimulating cutting edge research, impact and knowledge exchange and supporting a vibrant community of graduate research students, to increase the volume, impact and visibility of our research and business activities. We actively liaise with Faculties and researchers to support and develop research activities across all disciplines and provide related training and development opportunities. We foster interdisciplinary working to promote, advance and share knowledge with the overall aim of securing new revenue sources and contributing to regional prosperity.

Further information

This is full time, permanent position with a starting salary of £49,218.00 annum.

Interviews are expected to be held on Thursday 20 March 2025.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Martin Davies, Pro Vice Chancellor - Knowledge Exchange & Innovation.

Bring your true self, expertise, and passion to Kingston where we are continuing to strive to build a university where authentic inclusion and belonging is at its heart. We welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities and those with disabilities.

We are a place-based organisation, proud of our location in Kingston and the civic role we play in our community. Our campuses inspire collaborative, innovative and creative communities. Being present on campus is important to us because it helps create a sense of belonging for our staff and students. Therefore, staff are expected to be on campus for the majority of their working week.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK.

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