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Strategic Business Development Manager

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University of Cambridge

Whittle Laboratory, West Cambridge

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Strategic Business Development Manager

Academic-related

2026-05-13

Location

Whittle Laboratory, West Cambridge

University of Cambridge

Type

Fixed-term (12 months)

Salary

£47,389-£59,966

Required Qualifications

Degree/Postgraduate or equivalent
PhD Aerospace Engineering (desirable)
Python & Microsoft Office
Research design & modelling
Team leadership
Stakeholder management

Research Areas

Net zero transition
Aerospace engineering
Mechanical engineering
Transport applications
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Strategic Business Development Manager

Strategic Business Development Manager

We are looking for an experienced individual to join the Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA) team at the Whittle Laboratory in West Cambridge to take on the role of Strategic Business Development Manager. In this role you will be required to manage strategic partnerships, research development, and business growth initiatives to enhance the AIA's impact and achieve long-term objectives. You will also oversee the management of research grants, collaborating with academic staff and funding bodies to secure external income and support the department's research and fundraising activities.

Additionally, you will collaborate with software and technical teams to develop holistic systems models and tools that meet stakeholder needs. You will also support business strategy development, stakeholder relationship management and the dissemination of research outputs, ensuring the department remains at the forefront of industry trends and thought leadership.

By maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, the role aims to drive business strategy, support change management, and ensure the effective dissemination of research outputs, ultimately contributing to the AIA's overall success and strategic direction.

You will be Educated to degree/postgraduate level education/ level 7 vocational qualification or possess an equivalent level of experience. A PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a relevant engineering field would be desirable. You will possess specialist knowledge across a broad range of areas relating to the net zero transition, particularly aerospace and mechanical engineering with transport applications. You will be an experienced user of Microsoft Office with software skills in Python. Previous experience of research design, technical and economic modelling is required with proven team leadership and relationship management skills.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 13 May 2026.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR Office at the Department of Engineering: hr-office@eng.cam.ac.uk, +44 (0)1223 332615.

Please quote reference NM49565 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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.

Apply online

Key information

Department/location
Department of Engineering

Salary
£47,389-£59,966

Reference
NM49565

Category
Academic-related

Date published
29 April 2026

Closing date
13 May 2026

Download further information
Further Particulars

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What qualifications are required for the Strategic Business Development Manager role?

Candidates must hold a degree/postgraduate level education or level 7 vocational qualification, or equivalent experience. A PhD in Aerospace Engineering or relevant field is desirable. Specialist knowledge in net zero transition, aerospace and mechanical engineering with transport applications is essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Python, plus experience in research design, technical and economic modelling, team leadership, and relationship management is required. Explore similar administration jobs or research jobs for preparation tips.

👨‍💼What are the main responsibilities of this Strategic Business Development Manager position?

Key duties include managing strategic partnerships, research development, and business growth for the Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA). Oversee research grants, collaborate with academic staff and funders, develop systems models and tools with software teams, support business strategy, stakeholder relationships, and disseminate research outputs. Drive change management and maintain industry leadership in net zero aerospace. See higher ed career advice for strategy insights.

📝What is the application process and deadline for this University of Cambridge job?

Click 'Apply' to register, upload your CV and covering letter. Quote reference NM49565. Closing date is 13 May 2026. Internal secondments welcome. Contact HR at hr-office@eng.cam.ac.uk or +44 (0)1223 332615 for queries. Download further particulars. Use our free resume template and cover letter template.

💰What is the salary, contract type, and location for this role?

Salary range: £47,389-£59,966. Fixed-term for 12 months initially, based at Whittle Laboratory, West Cambridge, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge. University supports equality, diversity, and inclusion; eligibility to work in UK required. Check university salaries for comparisons.

🌍Does this Strategic Business Development Manager role offer visa sponsorship?

The posting states the University ensures employees are eligible to live and work in the UK, but no explicit visa sponsorship mentioned. Confirm with HR. View higher ed admin jobs or executive roles for similar opportunities with sponsorship details.

💻What skills in Python and modelling are needed for this aviation role?

Experienced use of Microsoft Office with Python skills required. Prior experience in research design, technical and economic modelling essential for developing holistic systems models in aerospace net zero. Leadership in teams and stakeholder relations key. Related advice in postdoctoral research roles.
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