Job Role Overview: Business Development Manager

The role of Business Development Manager is a leadership-focused position aimed at driving income generation and creating innovative partnerships for the University of Kent. As the Business Development Manager, you will lead and support a team working across several key areas: research and innovation grants, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities, commercial research tenders, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), and strategic partnerships aligned with research priorities. This crucial role plays a significant part in shaping university policy and procedures within the Business Development, Research, and Innovation (BDRI) management team, ensuring the institution remains adaptable within a dynamic education and research landscape.

You will lead on facilitating collaborations with external stakeholders-including industry, government agencies, and public sector organizations-to develop new partnerships and diversify income streams. Additionally, you will work closely with the Director of BDRI to implement a forward-thinking and effective business development strategy that supports the University’s research priorities and financial goals.

International Education Applicant Advice:

When applying for this role, particularly from an international perspective, it is crucial to demonstrate:

1. Understanding of the UK Higher Education Sector (and Beyond):

Highlight your awareness of how business development operates within the UK higher education system. Showcase specific examples of how your knowledge of international education markets, global partnerships, or external funding landscapes can contribute to the University’s goals.

2. Collaboration and Leadership Skills Across Diverse Contexts:

This role requires a track record of managing teams and successfully coaching individuals to excel. If you’re applying internationally, emphasize leadership experiences in cross-cultural or global projects, particularly those involving collaboration between academic institutions and industries across different regions.

3. Relevant Skills and Expertise:

If your qualifications or experience are abroad, explicitly link how they meet UK standards. For example:

• Mention your degree field or administration qualifications and relate them to business development in the context of higher education.
• Highlight any experience securing research funding (e.g., EU Horizon grants or similar) or delivering CPD and knowledge transfer projects internationally.

4. Language and Cultural Awareness:

Global experience in forging external stakeholder partnerships is invaluable. Provide examples of successful partnerships you have cultivated, particularly if they involved engaging diverse stakeholders such as multinational corporations, public bodies, or international universities. Show how cultural awareness influences your strategic approach.

5. Commitment to Innovative Income Generation:

Candidates should bring proven experience in income generation activities (e.g., grant writing, securing commercial contracts, building long-term relationships for research projects). Demonstrating an understanding of how these activities align with institutional priorities is critical.

6. Timeliness in Application Submission:

The University highlights the potential early closure of vacancies due to high application volume. Submit your application as quickly as possible to ensure consideration-this is particularly important for international candidates who may require visa sponsorship.

How to Approach Your Application

• Tailor CV and Cover Letter:

Make sure your CV and cover letter specifically address the job role’s key responsibilities and how your international or domestic experience can make a measurable impact on the University of Kent’s objectives. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., “income generation,” “external stakeholder engagement,” “research and innovation priorities”) to align with their expectations.

• Address Transferable Skills/Evidence-Based Success:

Global candidates with experience working in varied education or innovation ecosystems should outline quantifiable successes (e.g., budgets managed, funds generated, partnerships established) and explain how these would translate effectively into a UK context.

• Highlight Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

Specific references to projects involving cross-disciplinary or international teams will enhance your application. If you’ve led initiatives connected to both academia and commercial entities, describe outcomes clearly.

• Visas and Relocation:

If applicable, research the UK visa sponsorship process and be prepared to demonstrate your commitment to relocating and contributing long-term to the University’s research and business objectives.

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Key Reasons to Join the University of Kent

The University of Kent offers a supportive, innovative, and collaborative working environment. By joining, applicants will benefit from:

• Strong Work-Life Balance:

Enjoy hybrid working options and an exceptional leave allowance totaling 43 days (including public holidays and university closures during Christmas).

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• Professional and Personal Growth:

Develop your expertise and skill set while working in a dynamic research-informed institution with access to a range of resources supporting your career progression.

• Excellent Benefits:

Access to a robust pension scheme, corporate employee-funded healthcare options, and staff wellbeing initiatives.

The University of Kent is ambitious about fostering growth, innovation, and positive change both regionally and globally. By becoming part of this mission, you will contribute toward ensuring research and business solutions deliver meaningful impact.

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For full details regarding this role and to begin the application process, please visit Working at Kent or send inquiries to peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk. Act promptly, as high applicant volumes may result in early vacancy closure!

Good luck with your application, and we look forward to welcoming ambitious talent from around the world!