Business Development Manager

STFC - The Science and Technology Facilities Council - The National Quantum Computing Centre

Hours: Full-time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Location: Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK

About Us:

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is the UK’s national laboratory dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of quantum computing.

Headquartered at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, the NQCC works across government, industry, and academia to address the engineering challenges of scaling quantum computers and to build a quantum-ready economy. Its mission is to enable the UK to solve complex societal and industrial challenges by harnessing the transformative potential of quantum computing.

Our Benefits include a flexible working scheme, defined benefit pension scheme and 30 days annual leave allowance plus 10.5 bank holiday/privilege days and several other benefits.

About the Role:

You will lead efforts to identify, develop, and secure collaborative and commercial opportunities that align with the NQCC’s strategic goals. You will build and manage relationships across the quantum computing ecosystem, translating stakeholder needs into actionable partnerships and projects.

You will be responsible for building and maintaining a dynamic pipeline of business opportunities, from initial engagement and lead qualification through to negotiation and agreement of terms. Working as part of a business focused team, you will collaborate closely with the NQCC’s technical and engagement teams, as well as with colleagues across STFC and partners within the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme.

Your business development efforts will be underpinned by providing stakeholders with access to some of the UK’s most advanced quantum computing facilities and expertise, continuing to position the NQCC as a key enabler of innovation and growth in the sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of business opportunities, ensuring alignment with the NQCC’s strategic priorities and long-term objectives.
• Manage the NQCC’s bid review process, ensuring proposals are strategically sound and compliant with broader governance and funding frameworks.
• Establish and nurture strong relationships with key stakeholders, serving as a primary point of contact for business development activities.
• Scope and develop business cases and funding proposals.
• Monitor developments and emerging trends in quantum computing to inform strategic direction and identify new opportunities.
• Maintain relevant market landscape data, track engagement metrics, and report progress to the senior leadership.
• Promote the NQCC’s mission, capabilities, and outcomes to external audiences, representing the Centre both nationally and internationally.

Person Specification:

• Educated to degree or equivalent in a relevant technical discipline (or the equivalent industry experience).
• Strong track record in technical sales, business development or partnership management, with demonstrable evidence of generating value and measurable impact
• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate technical concepts into business opportunities, based on experience in technical research, scientific or deep tech environments.
• Highly developed interpersonal and networking skills, with a proven ability to work collaboratively within a team and manage relationships with external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, bid writing and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate value propositions to a range of different stakeholders / audiences up to director level.
• Excellent organisational skills including time management and task prioritization, with the ability to work to defined deadlines.
• Extensive IT skills, including experience in MS Office Suite.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the landscape for quantum computing and/or related technologies.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.