Overview
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits and join us to become part of something special.
An exciting opportunity for a Business Engagement Officer exists within the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering at the University of Sheffield. The role will support a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow in delivering a large and ambitious research programme linking advanced materials science characterisation and understanding with industrial processes to improve the quality of high integrity components across multiple sectors. The Fellowship is fully funded for a 3-year renewal period by the UK government and the University of Sheffield creating the Scientific Assurance for Future Engineering Risks (SAFER) research group.
The Business Engagement Officer will ideally have a sound basis in the metals processing industry, with a working knowledge of supply chains and the requirements of the sector. An awareness of assurance of quality and traceability of materials is preferred. The ability to interact with and determine the research needs of businesses operating in the supply of high integrity materials for critical components and infrastructure will be important. You will have a good track record in carrying out independent business development projects, ideally working between funding bodies and research organisations/businesses to produce high quality and impactful outputs. You should have the ability to work and communicate efficiently with other members of the team (supervisors, students and Research Associates), and collaborators outside the University. Regular informal reporting of progress and involvement with group activities will be required in addition to formal reporting and you will also be involved with bid preparation to exploit opportunities discovered through engagement.
The Business Engagement Officer will be responsible for the development and delivery of the business engagement plan and delivery of a Digital Materials Forum with government research and industrial partners. Working closely with researchers, engagement leaders and industrial partners to take outputs from the SAFER research groups work packages, advertising large scale validation exercises and supporting industry in the adoption of these technologies.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
The indicative range of duties is expected to include, but is not limited to, the following:
* Work closely with the UKRI Fellow, other academic, technical and professional services staff to develop a business engagement plan for the outputs of the SAFER research group.
* Develop, nurture and manage relationships with a range of third parties to support effective, compelling and meaningful visibility to companies. Manage internal and external business relationships, provide an accessible initial contact point, and facilitate interaction with relevant individuals and academic staff.
* Engage with SMEs and larger companies, supporting access to SAFER research group technology and skills to deliver commercial and grant-funded contracts.
* Actively undertake new business development activities such as prospective written communication, meetings, presentations and targeted research to expand existing business, increase growth opportunities to ensure the sustainability of the SAFER research group.
* Be responsible for achieving targets for engaging with suitable businesses and industry through the management of a robust pipeline of opportunities.
* Support the development and coordination of research networks (industry, academia and third parties) working with the UKRI Fellow across the partner institutions and beyond.
* Support the UKRI Fellow in the identification of opportunities for workforce development and the delivery of said interventions such as seminars, deep-dives (sandpits) and workshops.
* Review and develop the business engagement strategy on an on-going basis with the aim to grow and maintain awareness, interest, and engagement with the SAFER research group.
* Promote awareness of the capability of the SAFER research group to relevant third parties and, as an ambassador, enhance its reputation regionally, nationally and internationally.
* Work with members of the research group, engagement activities and related projects/institutions for the design of marketing materials.
* Attend exhibitions, meetings and other events locally, regionally, nationally and internationally as required to represent and promote the SAFER research group.
* Engage in continuous personal and professional development in line with the demands of the role, including undertaking relevant training and development activities.
* As a member of our Professional staff you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the professional behaviours set out in the Sheffield Professional Framework. Please follow this link for further information: Sheffield Professional Framework.
* Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn\'t match perfectly with this role\'s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential Or Desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
* Strong networking skills and experience in building relationships with industrial clients and stakeholders at all levels to identify their needs.
* Excellent negotiation and contracting skills.
* Ability to plan, organise and execute projects with multiple partners in an academic and/or technical environment to ensure the production of the agreed deliverables to the project plan.
* Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations; and an ability to deal with both scientific and commercial issues authoritatively.
* Experience of working with a range of colleagues from a variety of disciplines across a large and complex organisation.
* Ability and motivation to set goals and meet targets in a market-led environment, and ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
* A scientific or engineering background with a broad knowledge of metals processing activities.
* Desirable: Contacts with research-active organisations outside the HEI sector.
* Desirable: Knowledge of the metals supply industry, traceability of materials, quality systems and assurance through materials testing.
* Desirable: Sound understanding of the HEI environment and of the issues with the sector and industrial interfaces.
* Desirable: Understanding of the issues concerning ownership of Intellectual Property.
Further Information
Grade
6
Salary
£32,080 - £36,636
Work arrangement
Full time for six months, or part-time considered (minimum 50%)
Duration
Fixed-term six months, with a potentially longer contract if part-time hours are agreed
Line manager
Professor Dan Cogswell
Direct reports
N/A
Our website
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cmbe
For informal enquiries about this job contact Prof Dan Cogswell – d.cogswell@sheffield.ac.uk.
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in early February 2026. This will consist of a panel interview and a short presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact CMBE-staffing-contracts@sheffield.ac.uk.
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in a new window).
What We Offer
* A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
* Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
* Generous pension scheme.
* A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
* A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
* Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
* A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
* A range of generous family-friendly policies
* paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
* support for those going through the menopause
* paid time off and support for fertility treatment
* and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date : 11/02/2026
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
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