Business Development Manager - Maternity Cover

The Role

The Business Development Manager provides expert strategic leadership for the University’s (AU) business development, knowledge exchange, and research impact portfolio. The Maternity Cover will progress key strategic priorities while maintaining momentum in areas of Knowledge Exchange (KE) and business development. They will act as a senior institutional specialist, progressing high‑value partnerships, contributing to ongoing development of a university-wide KE strategy, and major cross‑functional programmes that enhance income generation, external engagement, and research translation.

The role incorporates programme management and senior stakeholder leadership responsibilities, with delegated authority for decision‑making, resource management, and the delivery of institutionally significant initiatives.

To make an informal enquiry, please contact Sarah Jackson at

Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.

This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Institutional Leadership

Provide expert strategic direction for AU’s business development, knowledge exchange and innovation activities, implement and refine existing approaches, frameworks, and policies.

Act as AU’s senior representative in high‑level engagements with industry, funders, government bodies and strategic partners.

Influence institutional decision‑making through authoritative recommendations to senior leadership.

Advance priority income generation pathways, partnership opportunities, and commercialisation approaches aligned with AU strategy.

Provide specialist insight and risk assessment to inform strategic planning and investment decisions.

Programme & Portfolio Management

Lead delivery and progression of large‑scale programmes with significant strategic impact on AU’s KE performance, research income, and external engagement targets.

Hold delegated authority for planning, risk management, resource allocation, and delivery of major KE and business development initiatives.

Oversee governance frameworks, reporting structures, and performance evaluation across multiple work streams.

Provide expert guidance to academic and professional services teams to ensure alignment with programme objectives and institutional priorities.

Manage complex multi‑stakeholder environments, resolving high‑level issues and enabling effective cross‑functional collaboration.

Business Development & External Partnerships

Maintain and progress high‑value partnerships that strengthen AU’s research, KE, and commercialisation capabilities.

Ensure continuity of institutional strategies to enhance grant capture, industry engagement, and income diversification.

Provide senior‑level advice and support to academic colleagues pursuing collaborative funding, innovation opportunities and impact pathways.

Oversee relationship management for strategic accounts, ensuring value, alignment with AU priorities, and measurable outcomes.

Strategic Marketing, Communications & Positioning

Oversee the design and commissioning of marketing and communications strategies that elevate AU’s KE and business engagement profile.

Ensure alignment of all messaging, content and engagement activity with institutional strategy.

Provide direction, editorial oversight and quality assurance for multi‑channel campaigns.

Guide and mentor junior staff in developing high‑level strategic messaging and partner engagement materials.

People Leadership & Line Management

Co‑ordinate tasks for 1-2 Business Development Officers.

Provide stability and continuity for the team during the maternity cover period.

Strengthen AU’s capacity for partnership development and external engagement through continuous improvement and skills development.

Financial & Resource Responsibility

Manage business development budget, with responsibility for planning, forecasting, risk mitigation and reporting to senior management.

Follow contractual, financial and compliance processes for complex external partnerships and…