Business Development Officer

UCLan; Preston; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional higher education institution in the UK seeks a Business Development Officer to cultivate relationships with businesses and community groups. The role emphasizes promoting various development initiatives, including Degree Apprenticeships and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in business development and excellent communication skills. The position offers a supportive environment for talent development and career growth, with diverse and inclusive workplace values.

Benefits

Attractive annual leave entitlement

Comprehensive employee benefits platform

Qualifications

• Significant recent experience in business development, sales, and/or marketing.
• Experience developing and implementing new processes.
• Strong data management and data processing skills.
• Proven track record of managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Build strong, productive relationships with business owners and community groups.
• Promote Continual Professional Development courses and Degree Apprenticeships.
• Engage in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and other workforce development initiatives.

Skills

Business development

Sales

Marketing

Communication

Negotiation

Relationship building

Data management

Organizational skills

Education

Degree-level qualification or equivalent experiential learning

Job description

When you work for the University of Lancashire, you’ll be part of a thriving community of talent that’s united in a common commitment to transform lives. We do this by delivering an outstanding educational experience and creating prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Whatever your role, you’ll be playing a vital part in helping us achieve our vision.

About the Role

The University of Lancashire is committed to supporting and enhancing the economic and social wellbeing of our communities and local businesses through education, training and collaborative innovation.

As a Business Development Officer, you will play a crucial role in building strong, productive relationships with business owners, managers and community groups. You will promote a range of opportunities including Continual Professional Development courses, Degree Apprenticeships, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), Research and Consultancy opportunities and other workforce development initiatives that help strengthen the region’s competitive capability.

About You

We are seeking a team player with excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills. You will be confident contributing to shared goals, exercising sound judgement and using your initiative while being able to work independently when required.

You will have:

• Significant recent experience in business development, sales and/or marketing.
• A degree-level qualification or equivalent experiential learning.
• Experience developing and implementing new processes, alongside strong data management and data-processing skills.
• Excellent organisational abilities, with a proven track record of working under pressure, managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines consistently.

Applicants must meet all essential criteria listed in the person specification to be considered for interview.

For informal enquiries about the role, please contact the Head of Enterprise & Engagement, Martin Blunt,

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

What we can offer you:

Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives. We also offer a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform.

We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.

Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level, the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.