Head of Business Engagement

The University of Cambridge is one of the world's leading research-intensive academic institutions. The University's Research Office provides leadership for all research services necessary to support the research carried out across the University. Its effectiveness is critical to the University's continued position in the top 5 University's worldwide.

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Head of Business Engagement to lead the University’s newly established business engagement and partnership function, delivered jointly by the Research Office and Cambridge Enterprise. The postholder will play a key role in strengthening institutional capability for academic–industry collaboration, modernising and coordinating the support available to academic colleagues as part of the University’s ambitious programme to enhance research, innovation and knowledge exchange activity. As a member of the Director of Research Services’ senior leadership team, you will provide strategic direction and operational oversight for the end-to-end support of business engagement, ensuring that the systems, processes and professional expertise needed to facilitate collaborative research with industry are effective, integrated and aligned with the University’s broader research and enterprise priorities.

The Head of Business Engagement will also 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 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.

Head of Business Engagement: Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the University’s Business Engagement Strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional research and innovation priorities and close coordination with relevant academic and professional services teams
• Coordinate business engagement activity across the University, working closely with Cambridge Enterprise and other internal units to support consistent, collaborative and effective partnership management
• Work with Assistant Directors in the Research Office and academic colleagues to design, plan and deliver targeted engagement initiatives that attract, develop and strengthen external relationships
• Provide programme-level oversight of externally funded projects, ensuring delivery mechanisms, resources and reporting processes meet agreed operational plans, KPIs and funder expectations
• Act as key account manager for selected industry partners, supporting strategic, high-value relationships and helping to identify opportunities for deeper collaboration
• Support reporting and strategic engagement with the Business Engagement Oversight Group, ensuring decisions and recommendations are implemented effectively across the University
• Identify and develop income opportunities—including direct funding and collaborative research programmes—to support the growth of industry-engaged activity
• Build a detailed understanding of institutional structures and existing engagement activity, supporting a coordinated and aligned approach across Schools, Departments and central services
• Promote business engagement across the academic community, raising awareness of opportunities and supporting colleagues to initiate and participate in collaborative research and knowledge exchange.

Head of Business Engagement: Person Specification

• Experience leading and developing teams in complex organisational settings, including academic and commercial environments
• Experience delivering complex projects or programmes with multiple stakeholders, deadlines and competing priorities
• Senior-level experience working with business or industry, with an understanding of organisational drivers and partnership requirements
• Experience working within or alongside research-intensive academic institutions, with knowledge of the research environment and academic processes
• Experience building and maintaining effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including academic, professional, industry and policy partners
• Experience in business development and income generation, including publicly funded programmes or university–business collaborations
• Knowledge of academic research and/or commercial R&D environments, including their operational drivers and constraints
• Ability to think strategically, build agreement and support decision-making in complex organisational contexts
• Strong planning, organisation, analytical and problem-solving skills to inform decisions
• Understanding of contractual, commercial and intellectual property considerations relevant to university–business partnerships.

A generous benefits package is offered including: 41 days annual leave (inc. bank holidays), flexible/hybrid working, a generous pension scheme, discount portal, cycle to work scheme, access to the university accommodation service, scheme for the reimbursement of relocation expenses, employee assistance programme, family-friendly policies along with many more.

The University welcomes applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

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.

Telfer Partners are retained to handle this opportunity.

Early applications are preferred and by Wednesday 14 January at the very latest.

For an initial, confidential discussion about this opportunity and the interview process please contact Neil Telfer on +44(0)1223632512 or neil@telferpartners.com .

Referral Scheme - Telfer Partners offer a referral reward if we fill this vacancy with someone you recommend. You can send us contact details of anyone you would like to recommend to enquiries@telferpartners.com.

Equality Policy - Telfer Partners is committed to upholding a professional and impartial recruitment process. Our Equal Opportunities policy ensures that all job applicants and employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, religion, age, disability, or union membership status.