Job Summary
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is seeking a commercially focused Customer Relationship / Business Development Manager to lead the growth and promotion of the Clinical Biotechnology Centre (CBC). CBC offers end-to-end services for the gene therapy sector, including GMP plasmid production, GMP viral vector manufacturing, aseptic fill and finish, and comprehensive Quality Control testing. This role is critical in managing a pipeline of opportunities and ensuring financial income targets are met.
In this role, you will identify and develop new business opportunities, nurture relationships with biotech, pharma, and academic partners, and drive revenue growth. You will work closely with our technical and project management teams to align client needs with our capabilities, preparing tailored proposals and guiding projects from initial engagement through to contract execution. Other responsibilities include market analysis/horizon scanning and representing NHSBT at key industry events. You will also contribute to the creation of marketing materials and campaigns to strengthen NHSBT’s market presence.
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of cell and gene therapy manufacturing processes, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in commercial development, or sales within healthcare, or life sciences. Strong stakeholder engagement, and presentation skills are essential, along with a valid UK driving licence and flexibility to travel.
You will join a supportive team working towards the same goal and will have a significant degree of individual responsibility. It is therefore important that you are able to organise your own workload and deliver independently.
Main duties of the job
Responsibilities
In this role you will have ownership of the business development plans and activities for NHSBTs Clinical Biotechnology Centre. Your responsibilities will include:
* Identify and develop new business opportunities within the biotech, pharma, and academic sectors to drive revenue growth.
* Manage and progress a pipeline of opportunities to ensure financial income targets are achieved.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers across target markets.
* Work closely with technical and project management teams to align customer requirements with CBC’s manufacturing and testing capabilities.
* Prepare and present tailored proposals to prospective and existing clients, guiding projects from initial enquiry to contract execution.
* Conduct market analysis and horizon scanning to identify emerging opportunities, trends, and competitor activity.
* Represent NHSBT at industry conferences, exhibitions, and networking events to promote CBC’s services and capabilities.
* Support the development of marketing materials and campaigns to strengthen market presence and generate leads.
* Deliver engaging presentations and pitches to internal and external stakeholders.
* Plan and prioritise workload independently while collaborating effectively within a supportive team environment.
You will be required to travel and spend time away from base, which will involve working irregular hours and overnight stays when required, with prior notice.
About You
Experience and Knowledge
* Experience of developing and managing promotional campaigns and marketing budgets.
* Experience of working in or interacting with, relevant customer base (e.g. Pathology, Life Sciences, Pharma, and Diagnostics.
* Ability to gain further knowledge and working practices to ensure conformance with commercial, regulatory and legal guidelines and regulations.
* Experience of working with information technology using Microsoft Office packages (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint)
Qualifications And Training
* Degree or equivalent technical background in relevant discipline e.g. biotech, medical technology, life sciences.
* Additional qualifications or proven experience in marketing, commercial management or sales.
* Possess a valid driving licence allowing the holder to drive in the UK.
* Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD).
About Us
It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, you’ll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.
Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do.
By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever.
You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
What We Offer
* A starting salary of £55,690 - £62,682 per annum in accordance with Agenda for Change (AfC).
* A full time, permanent opportunity to join as a Band 8a, and progress with NHSBT.
* Opportunity to work with a national organisation and be based in Bristol.
* NHSBT promotes flexible working opportunities where the role will allow.
* 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and to 33 days after 10 years.
* NHS pension scheme. The NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns) Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions
* We’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.
Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed Job Description and Person Specification for the full personal attributes we require for the role. You will need to demonstrate these throughout the recruitment process.
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Monday 25 August 2025.
Interviews are anticipated to be held on w/c 8 September subject to confirmation.
For informal enquiries please contact
Name: Mukul Tewary
Job Title: Assistant Director Business Development CAGT
Contact Details: mukul.tewary@nhsbt.nhs.uk #J-18808-Ljbffr