Senior Business Development Manager

Totalwellnessacupuncture; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Birmingham seeks a Senior Business Development Manager to drive strategic partnerships and growth opportunities. This role involves creating a commercial strategy, managing key accounts, and leading major funding bids. The ideal candidate should possess a proven business development background, excellent relationship-building skills, and an understanding of the Engineering sector. The position offers a competitive salary of £47,389 to £56,535 per annum and excellent development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave scheme

On-site gym and pool

Excellent training and development opportunities

Family-friendly policies

Everyday discounts

Qualifications

• Proven track record of successful business development and client management.
• Established connections in the Engineering sector.
• Ability to secure sales and deliver significant growth.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a commercial strategy aligned with market needs.
• Develop and manage strategic partnerships.
• Lead on major funding bids and generate external funding.
• Deliver against annual sales targets.

Skills

Business development

Client management

Strategic thinking

Relationship building

Sales

Education

Background in Engineering

Job description

Senior Business Development Manager (EPS)

Business Development (CCO)

Location: Aston University John Cadbury House

Salary: £47,389 to £56,535 per annum

Grade: Grade 09

Contract Type: Permanent

Basis: Full Time

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Wednesday 18 February 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Reference: 0006-26B

Release Date: Wednesday 21 January 2026

Aston University’s 2030 strategy is Inclusive, Entrepreneurial and Transformational. Our vision is to be a leading university of science, technology and enterprise, measured by the positive transformational impact we achieve for our people, students, businesses and the communities we serve. Reporting to the Director of Business Development, the Senior Business Development Manager (SBDM) will play a lead role in driving strategic partnerships and growth opportunities for the University.

This role will be aligned to the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

Main responsibilities

• To create and maintain a commercial/enterprise strategy which aligns market need with the unique products/services within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
• To develop and manage strategic partnerships with businesses and other influential bodies in line with the Aston 2030 Strategy and manage key accounts for the institution.
• Build viable value propositions for partners who require bespoke solutions from Aston University, helping them to overcome specific operational challenges.
• To lead on major funding bids and proposals, generating external funding.
• Deliver against individual annual sales targets.

Experience

As the successful candidate, you will have a proven track record of successful business development and client management with influential stakeholders in the Engineering sector, along with a proven ability to secure sales and deliver significant growth in income. We are looking for innovative and entrepreneurial BDMs that can broker long-lasting, value generating partnerships between external partners and academia.

The SBDM will join Aston University with established external connections in the sector for which they are applying, with an overarching objective to drive revenue generation. The ideal candidates are characterised by a profound understanding of business dynamics, adept strategic thinking, exceptional relationship‑building acumen, and a robust background in business development and sales. They will also need to be sensitive and appreciative of the culture of Aston University and the values of the Higher Education sector more broadly.

What we offer

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days’ bookable leave and a further 13 bank holidays and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family friendly policies.
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found below.

Further details

Job Details

University Information

Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role as part of Aston University’s commitment to equality and diversity and ensuring a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. Personal details that are included on application forms, including the candidate’s name and address, will not be disclosed to the shortlisting panel. CVs will not be considered as part of the shortlisting process.

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

Guidance on AI‑Assisted Applications

While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their applications, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

Contact Information

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the recruitment team at [e-mail].