Business Development Manager

at  Heriot Watt University

Job Title: Business Development Manager
Directorate : School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Contract Type: Full Time (1.0FTE) Fixed Term (5 Years)
Grade and Salary: Grade 8 (£45,585 - £56,021)
Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub will be an internationally recognised centre of excellence for quantum networking. The Hub will focus on the distribution of quantum entanglement at all length scales for distributed quantum computing and quantum communications. The Hub will be at the forefront of advancements towards the “quantum internetâ€�, envisioned as the final stage of the quantum revolution, where quantum resources will be used at distance utilising the game-changing power of quantum computing and quantum metrology for critical applications, whilst being verifiably secure. By delivering emerging technologies and techniques to our industrial innovation partners, the IQN Hub will enable UK industry to lead the quantum networking revolution. The IQN Hub is supported by an initial £21.8M award from UKRI and additional industrial support, including ‘in-kind’ and direct financial support valued at approximately £20M.
The Business Development Manager will report directly to the IQN Hub Director, and work closely with the IQN Hub Manager and all other Hub professional management staff.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience in a relevant technical, scientific or engineering discipline (or the equivalent industry experience).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Strong track record in business development, with demonstrable evidence of generating value
• Experience in technical research or scientific business development environment
• Highly developed interpersonal and networking skills
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and presentation skills; with the ability to articulate value propositions to a range of different stakeholders/audiences
• Ability to understand and communicate the benefits from the development and application of quantum networking.
• A track record in growing and managing business development initiatives
• A proven ability to synthesise business/market data to inform decision-making
• Good organisational skills including time management and task prioritisation, with the ability to work to defined deadlines
• Demonstrable experience of connecting with director-level audiences, and/or a track record of engaging technologists and scientists
• Experience in measuring/monitoring performance and impact
• Extensive IT skills, including experience in MS Office Suite.
• Demonstrable knowledge of quantum technology and/or related technologies
• Strong skills in proposal writing and/or business case development
• Experience in producing business plans for early-stage technology opportunities
• An understanding of intellectual property management
• Experience in the negotiation of complex contracts
• Knowledge of UK and international investment and research funding structures
• An appreciation of the National Quantum Technology Strategy

You will be a suitably qualified individual who can bring extensive administrative experience and problem-solving skills to the management and development of a portfolio of information systems, policies and initiatives to support the activities of the project team. As the post holder, you will be a core member of the Hub management team, acting as a source of expert information with the responsibility of devising and implementing processes to ensure that:

• Lead on the research and identification of new engagement and collaboration opportunities.
• Develop, foster and maintain networks with academia, government and industry, seeking out appropriate contacts

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Heriot-Watt University is leading a consortium of twelve universities and two national laboratories, supporting the formation of a new international research centre funded by EPSRC for a 5-year research programme into Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN). The overall financial contribution from EPSRC to the Hub is £21.8M, with significant additional support from industry partners. The Business Development Manager is responsible for the financial management and reporting of this Quantum Technology Hub for the 5-year duration of the award.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

You will be a suitably qualified individual who can bring extensive administrative experience and problem-solving skills to the management and development of a portfolio of information systems, policies and initiatives to support the activities of the project team. As the post holder, you will be a core member of the Hub management team, acting as a source of expert information with the responsibility of devising and implementing processes to ensure that:

• Lead on the research and identification of new engagement and collaboration opportunities.
• Develop, foster and maintain networks with academia, government and industry, seeking out appropriate contacts.

Develop an excellent understanding of the IQN Hub

• ‘s purpose, deliverables, capabilities and goals to advise others about them.
• Develop commercial business plans working with the Hub Directors and Hub professional staff.
• Liaise with technical and Hub Professional management personnel to scope development projects, preparing detailed and compelling funding proposals and/or business cases
• Understand the needs of the quantum technology eco-system and be able to respond effectively with a plan of how to meet these
• Lead on the generation of opportunities that enable the IQN Hub to support the UK quantum technology eco-system and further the deliverables of the IQN Hub
• Acquire and maintain extensive knowledge of developments and trends and changes in the quantum networking field.
• Work strategically, setting aims and objectives in order to develop and improve the IQN Hub
• Work collaboratively within a wider team that focuses on innovation, engagement, communications and outreach
• Report on these relevant activities to Hub management, and provide feedback on stakeholder requirements.

The Business Development Manager will be required to:

Act as a focal point for connecting the Hub to the IQN Hub

• ‘s industrial partner base, and organise all relevant meetings between Hub academic and industrial partners.
• Attend seminars, conferences and events, where appropriate, representing the IQN Hub, and report relevant information to Hub personnel.
• Write and deliver presentations on the IQN Hub at internal and external meetings both within the UK and internationally.
• Drive the establishment of consortia to tackle grant opportunities for business and academic collaborations relevant to quantum networking, e.g. for Innovate UK calls.