Head of Business Engagement, TELFER PARTNERS
We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Head of Business Engagement to lead the University’s newly established business engagement and partnership function, delivered jointly by the Research Office and Cambridge Enterprise. The postholder will strengthen institutional capability for academic–industry collaboration, modernising and coordinating the support available to academic colleagues as part of the University’s ambitious programme to enhance research, innovation and knowledge exchange.
As a member of the Director of Research Services’ senior leadership team, you will provide strategic direction and operational oversight for the end‑to‑end support of business engagement, ensuring that the systems, processes and professional expertise needed to facilitate collaborative research with industry are effective, integrated and aligned with the University’s broader research and enterprise priorities.
Key responsibilities
* Develop and deliver the University’s Business Engagement Strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional research and innovation priorities.
* Coordinate business engagement activity across the University, working closely with Cambridge Enterprise and other internal units to support consistent, collaborative and effective partnership management.
* Work with Assistant Directors in the Research Office and academic colleagues to design, plan and deliver targeted engagement initiatives that attract, develop and strengthen external relationships.
* Provide programme‑level oversight of externally funded projects, ensuring delivery mechanisms, resources and reporting processes meet agreed operational plans, KPIs and funder expectations.
* Act as key account manager for selected industry partners, supporting strategic, high‑value relationships and helping to identify opportunities for deeper collaboration.
* Support reporting and strategic engagement with the Business Engagement Oversight Group, ensuring decisions and recommendations are implemented effectively across the University.
* Identify and develop income opportunities—including direct funding and collaborative research programmes—to support the growth of industry‑engaged activity.
* Build a detailed understanding of institutional structures and existing engagement activity, supporting a coordinated and aligned approach across Schools, Departments and central services.
* Promote business engagement across the academic community, raising awareness of opportunities and supporting colleagues to initiate and participate in collaborative research and knowledge exchange.
Person Specification
* Experience leading and developing teams in complex organisational settings, including academic and commercial environments.
* Experience delivering complex projects or programmes with multiple stakeholders, deadlines and competing priorities.
* Senior‑level experience working with business or industry, with an understanding of organisational drivers and partnership requirements.
* Experience working within or alongside research‑intensive academic institutions, with knowledge of the research environment and academic processes.
* Experience building and maintaining effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including academic, professional, industry and policy partners.
* Experience in business development and income generation, including publicly funded programmes or university–business collaborations.
* Knowledge of academic research and/or commercial R&D environments, including their operational drivers and constraints.
* Ability to think strategically, build agreement and support decision‑making in complex organisational contexts.
* Strong planning, organisation, analytical and problem‑solving skills to inform decisions.
* Understanding of contractual, commercial and intellectual property considerations relevant to university–business partnerships.
Benefits
• 41 days annual leave (inc. bank holidays)
• Flexible/hybrid working
• Generous pension scheme
• Discount portal
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to the university accommodation service
• Reimbursement of relocation expenses
• Employee assistance programme
• Family‑friendly policies and many more.
Application process
Early applications are preferred and by Wednesday 14th January at the very latest. For an initial, confidential discussion about this opportunity and the interview process please contact Neil Telfer on +44(0)1223632512 or neil@telferpartners.com.
Send your CV and cover letter to neil@telferpartners.com quoting the reference TP 935. When applying, please upload your CV and cover letter which clearly sets out how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification, along with relevant examples. Candidates will be shortlisted and invited to interview based on these criteria.
Referral Scheme – Telfer Partners offer a referral reward if we fill this vacancy with someone you recommend. You can send contact details of anyone you would like to recommend to enquiries@telferpartners.com.
Equality Policy – Telfer Partners is committed to upholding a professional and impartial recruitment process. Our Equal Opportunities policy ensures that all job applicants and employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, religion, age, disability, or union membership status.
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Business Development and Sales
#J-18808-Ljbffr