Head of Business Engagement

Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in the UK is seeking a Head of Business Engagement to oversee its newly established business engagement function. The successful candidate will lead collaborations with industry and manage funding opportunities to enhance research impact. Responsibilities include building capacity among academic staff and ensuring alignment between partnerships and university goals. Candidates are encouraged to apply for part-time or flexible working arrangements. The position offers a salary range of £63,606-£67,468.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading business engagement initiatives in a university or equivalent setting.
• Proven ability to align research strengths with business needs.
• Strong understanding of external funding opportunities and partnership development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the University's business engagement function.
• Enhance collaboration with industry on publicly funded research.
• Oversee funding opportunities and ensure impact across research and economic development.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Expert guidance

Understanding of commercialisation

Job description

# Head of Business EngagementWe are seeking an experienced and collaborative Head of Business Engagement to lead the University's newly established business engagement and partnership function,As part of a new institutional model for supporting business engagement and partnerships, the University is establishing a coordinated function spanning the Research Office and Cambridge Enterprise, the University's commercialisation arm responsible for technology transfer, consultancy, and investment. This integrated approach brings together expertise in research development, contracting, commercialisation, and strategic partnerships to provide a coherent and proactive interface for external collaborators. The Head of Business Engagement will lead this new function within the Research Office, working in close partnership with senior colleagues in Cambridge Enterprise and the academic community to enhance the University's ability to deliver high-impact, publicly funded research in collaboration with industry.The Head of Business Engagement will play a leadership role in shaping the University's approach to externally partnered research and knowledge exchange, overseeing a growing portfolio of programmes funded by direct private sector investment, as well as UKRI, Innovate UK, Research England, and other public funders.The role holder will provide institutional leadership on business-facing funding opportunities, working to align partnerships with the University's research strengths and strategic goals. They will be responsible for building capacity, providing expert guidance to academic and professional services staff, and ensuring that the University's business engagement efforts are well-coordinated, well-supported, and deliver meaningful impact across research, knowledge exchange, and economic development.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 [phone] or [e-mail] welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.If you have questions about the application process, contact [e-mail] quote reference EW48010 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.### Department/location### Salary£63,606-£67,468### ReferenceEW48010### Category### Date published5 December 2025### Closing date14 January 2026