Business Development & Marketing Director

Business Development & Marketing Director Board-level | National role (UK & Ireland) Home-based (UK) with travel across the UK & Ireland, including Oxford HQ Oxford Innovation Space Shape the next phase of growth in the UKs innovation ecosystem. Were entering the next stage of growth at Oxford Innovation Space, and were looking for an exceptional Business Development & Marketing Director to join our Division Management Board.

This is a high-impact, outward-facing executive role, bringing together commercial leadership, strategic growth and market influence. Youll play a pivotal part in shaping how we expand our portfolio, build partnerships and position ourselves across the UK & Ireland innovation landscape. The role is home-based, with regular travel across the UK & Ireland and to our Oxford head office, reflecting the national scope of the position.

The opportunity This is not a traditional functional leadership role. As Business Development & Marketing Director, you will:
Lead the organisations growth strategy across the UK & Ireland, shaping and delivering a strong pipeline of new business Secure and develop innovation space contracts, partnerships and place-based opportunities Align marketing, brand and communications with commercial priorities to directly support contract wins and market positioning Operate as a Board-level leader, contributing to corporate strategy, investment decisions and overall organisational performance Youll bring a clear, proactive approach to business developmentmoving us from reactive bids to a more insight-led, opportunity-driven model, and ensuring we remain well-positioned in a competitive and evolving market.

What youll be responsible for Strategic growth & commercial leadership Shape and deliver a compelling, evidence-led growth strategy Identify, pursue and convert high-value opportunities across the UK & Ireland innovation ecosystem Business development Lead complex bids, partnerships and negotiations Build and maintain senior relationships across public, private and academic sectors Marketing, brand & reputation Drive an integrated marketing and communications function aligned to commercial outcomes Strengthen our market positioning, reputation and influence at a national level Executive leadership Contribute to Board discussions, strategy and decision-making Lead and develop multi-disciplinary, geographically dispersed teams About you Were looking for a strategic, commercially driven leader who can operate confidently at Board level and deliver tangible growth outcomes.

Youll bring: A strong track record of winning complex, high-value contracts Experience operating at a senior leadership or Director level, ideally across multi-site or partnership-led environments The ability to integrate business development and marketing to drive measurable commercial results Credibility with senior stakeholders across public, private and academic sectors A proactive, insight-led approach to opportunity identification and pipeline development Youll be as comfortable shaping long-term strategy as you are influencing key partnerships and closing deals.

Why join us? Board-level influence direct impact on organisational direction and growth Scale and autonomy lead a national portfolio with real decision-making responsibility Purpose  commerciality deliver growth that supports innovation, places and communities Market impact work at the centre of the UKs innovation, regeneration and partnership ecosystem Ready to shape what comes next? If youre looking for a role where you can combine commercial leadership, strategic influence and real-world impact, wed love to hear from you.

Were building a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. If youre excited about this role but dont meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply you might be just the person were looking for.