Partnerships Development Manager

This is an exciting time to join Manchester Met. Since the development of our RKE Strategy in 2017, there has been an increased focus on high-quality, impactful Research and Knowledge Exchange through our 13 University Centres for Research and Knowledge Exchange (UCRKE). This has resulted in a marked increase in RKE activity and significant growth in the necessary staff to support further growth, including this role.

You will be an integral part of the expanding Business Engagement team, with the opportunity to help shape and deliver our University-wide Business Engagement Strategy.

Role

The role requires a person with a strong ability to manage business partnerships with complex organisations including: developing, planning, communicating, negotiating, closing and providing excellent customer service. The ideal candidate will have experience in high-level B2B Partnerships Management, Business Development, Account Management or a related discipline. Experience working within a Higher-Education setting is highly desirable.

• You will work in collaboration with faculty-based Business Development Managers, academics within University Centres for Research and Knowledge Exchange (UCRKE) and other colleagues to develop ways to secure new income streams, enhancing the University’s research capabilities, impact and reputation. Therefore, experience in building internal relationships and influencing colleagues across teams and at all levels is essential.
• You will support the development and implementation of a yearly business engagement activity plan to deliver the University’s Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF) Strategy and the broader Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) Strategy.
• You will identify, manage and develop productive regional and national relationships with key business, public and third sector clients, as well as other stakeholders and partners to meet the University’s innovation and Knowledge Exchange objectives.
• You will develop detailed knowledge and understanding of the University’s research and knowledge exchange portfolio, its UCRKEs, and work with others to prioritise the highest quality areas that present sustainable Knowledge Exchange opportunities.

To apply, please submit your CV and Covering Letter via our application portal. For informal enquiries, please contact Martha Sama (Head of Business Engagement) on M.Sama@mmu.ac.uk