Commercial Officer: Robert Gordon University
Job Summary
Reporting to the Commercial Team Leader, the Commercial Officer will play a key role in scoping commercial opportunities and preparing commercial proposals, applications and costings, particularly in the areas of training and development, consultancy and contract research.
You will be self-motivated and highly organised, an excellent communicator, be able to work collaboratively and have good attention for detail. You'll need to effectively manage the diverse demands of developing lasting academic and industry relationships with the often urgent need to write complex proposals and apply initiative. You will be required to appraise commercial opportunities and provide recommendations and direction for decision making.
Salary on first appointment is normally to the bottom of the scale, although in exceptional circumstances an appointment further up the scale may be considered.
You’ll enjoy competitive pay and contribution to the North East Scotland Pension Fund, together with transport, health, family, wellbeing benefits and retail discounts. We know how important it is to strike that work/life balance and our annual leave reflects that, starting at 38 days per annum (including statutory holidays), rising to 43 days for some roles.
For further information about this position please contact Kirsty Robertson at k.robertson44@rgu.ac.uk
To apply, you'll need to complete some basic details then submit your CV, together with a cover letter detailing how you meet the requirements for the role.
Job Description
RESPONSIBLE TO: Commercial Team Leader
RESPONSIBLE FOR: No line reports
PURPOSE OF THE POST: The Commercial Officer will play a key role in scoping commercial opportunities and preparing commercial proposals, applications and costings, particularly in the areas of training and development, consultancy and contract research.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
Developing commercial proposals, working effectively with University colleagues including business development and academic staff, and a range of external clients and funders to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for the University and client.
Managing commercial projects and processes from costing and application, through to award.
Assessing the financial viability of new opportunities and identifying opportunities for income generation.
Building relationships with external partners, business development managers and University staff to assist in building potential collaborations.
Developing a good knowledge and understanding of the capabilities and expertise within the University to help build client/partner relationships.
Identifying and mitigating risk relating to a variety of project types.
Providing advice and guidance to inform department/University decision making taking into consideration aspects such as commercial viability, funding eligibility and risk.
Person Specification
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications and Professional Memberships
Higher or Equivalent in a relevant discipline such as Business, Law or Finance.
Knowledge and skills
Good understanding of commercial practice.
Strong communication skills.
Able to multi-task and prioritise.
Experience
Writing experience within a commercial environment.
Use of databases and Microsoft Office, including use of costing tools.
Demonstrable experience of engaging with internal and external customers in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications and Professional Memberships
First Degree in a relevant discipline such as Business, Law or Finance.
Knowledge
Knowledge of Academic Institutions and/or working at University/Industry interface
Experience
Experience of developing costings and sales proposals.
Experience of HEI/Industry funding schemes and applications.
Other
Occasional unsociable hours required.
Behaviours
Behaviour 1: Communication – Ability to receive, understand and convey information requiring careful explanation and information of a complex or conceptual nature, in a clear and accurate manner.
Behaviour 2: Analysis and Research – Experience of identifying or designing data gathering and analytical methods appropriate for each investigation, and producing reports that identify key issues and findings.
Behaviour 3: Liaison and Networking – Experiences of: circulating information in an accurate and timely manner; working across team boundaries to build and strengthen working relationships; leading and developing internal networks to pursue a shared interest.
Behaviour 4: Initiative and Problem Solving – Experience of using initiative and creativity to resolve problems, identifying practical and suitable solutions