Business Development Manager - Research and Enterprise at University of Otago

Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

26 May, 26

Salary

124348.0

Posted On

25 Feb, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Negotiation, Relationship Management, Contracting, Project Management, Client Management, Communication, Analytical Skills, Self-starter, Team Player, Entrepreneurial Flair

Industry

Research Services

Description

__________ RESEARCH AND ENTERPRISE | TE KOPA ITI O TE ĀPŌPŌ RESEARCH AND ENTERPRISE OFFICE | TE TARI RAKAHAU ME TE HINOKA About our team/Mō te tīma Research makes a difference: to our lives, to our economy, to our society and to our environment. At the University of Otago, we have a strong history of research and scholarship from our foundation in 1869, and we are proud to be one of New Zealand’s most research-intensive universities. The Research and Enterprise Office (R&E) supports and assists researchers in the identification of funding opportunities, partnering with business, grant applications, and the establishment of research contracts. We work closely with academic staff, students and Otago Innovation Ltd (the University’s wholly owned commercialisation arm) to foster a culture of enterprise and collaboration. The role/Te mahi Since its formation in 2011, Research and Enterprise has grown research income from $88M to over $120M, through an extended period of significant change in government strategy and investment. The role of a Business Development Manager is to promote the University’s research activities, build relationships and develop opportunities for the generation of external research income and enhancement of the University’s reputation as a world-leading research institution. In addition to bringing in a pipeline of new opportunities, Business Development Managers are also involved in contract negotiation and management. Your skills and experience/Kā pūkeka me kā wheako To be successful in this key role, you will ideally be PhD qualified and have extensive knowledge and understanding of the diversity of university research activity and funding models. You will also be able to demonstrate: • Commercial/business skills, particularly in negotiation, relationship management and contracting. • Experience and connections for securing strategic opportunities in sciences would be an advantage. • Proven ability to plan and effectively manage a wide range of projects and clients simultaneously. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to interact effectively and tactfully with a wide range of individuals. • Cultural awareness and understanding of the University’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. • High level analytical skills. • Your abilities as a self-starter who can independently initiate, manage, and complete projects and tasks. • Behaviour as a team player supporting our wide research capability. The position is suited to someone who is driven and has high levels of energy to succeed in a complex and challenging multi-stakeholder environment. You will be joining a supportive team that has a range of experience and perspectives. If you are passionate and informed about university research, have entrepreneurial flair, and want to make a difference – we want to hear from you! Further details/Pūroko This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week), position based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin. You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role. We offer competitive salary, 5 weeks’ annual leave, a 6.75%25 superannuation scheme, and the ability to achieve real work/life balance. The appointment range for this role is $107,320 to $115,834, Top of Range $124,348. The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected. For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence – please contact Dr Rachel Elliot via the contact details below. Application/Tono To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2600396 will close on Sunday, 15 March 2026. Additional Information Contact: Dr Rachel Elliot Position details: Job Description Further Information: Department Website Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email Location: About Dunedin

Responsibilities

The primary role involves promoting the University's research activities, building relationships, and developing opportunities to generate external research income and enhance the institution's reputation. This includes involvement in contract negotiation and management alongside pipeline development.