Business Development (IRC30172)
Given the nature of the role, and the specific circumstances around which this role has become available, this is an exciting opportunity for a proactive person with experience in business development at the interface between academia and industry. A member of the Business Development Team within the Research and Engagement Directorate (RED), the post holder will be responsible for building mutually beneficial relationships that lead to income generating partnerships with businesses, specifically in alignment with the University strategic and thematic priorities. Liaising across the University campuses, the Business Development Executive will ensure specialised, professional advice is provided to businesses and to academic teams across HWU to actively engage with industry-led research funding proposals or undertaking KE activity to demonstrate the wider impacts of HWU research.
Key aspect of this broad role will be facilitating successful business-university collaborations, identifying EU, UK & International funding opportunities for such collaborations and driving these bids to successful completion, developing networks, as well as stimulating innovative research and technology projects and cross-disciplinary collaborations that support areas of expertise in Heriot-Watt University. They will organise and facilitate workshops and co-development activities, ensure effective communication, foster relationships, advise on matchmaking and enable collaborative projects. They will be able to explain difficult concepts using clear language, and to translate effectively between academia and business jargon. The holder will also offer expert advice on suitable funding streams and proposal applications for collaborative projects.
Due to the variety of the tasks and the need of agility in the team, job sharing can also be considered to accommodate for candidates with the most suited skill-set. Please note this appointment is covering for the secondment of existing staff into a project funded by the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Programme. Due to this connection, it is possible to apply jointly for this role and a Business Engagement role (IRC30191) aligned to the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Programme. For further information or an informal discussion please contact s.foscarin@hw.ac.uk