"Business Development Manager - Research and Enterprise-2600396"

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% 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

Primary Location NZL-SI-Dunedin

Employment Status Permanent 

Salary Level and Range Management Band 3 (Range of Appointments $107,320 to $115,834, Top of Range $124,348)

Organisation Research and Enterprise Office

Job Function Administrative and Operations Management