These roles sit within a dynamic, forward-thinking team at the heart of the University’s ambition to deliver challenge-led, impactful research and knowledge exchange aligned to global and regional priorities.

We are recruiting to two complementary Grade 8 roles:

• EL1259 Business Development Manager (Consultancy & Knowledge Exchange focus) which is permanent and full-time at 37 hours per week.
• EL1265 Business Development Manager (Research Commercialisation focus) which is fixed-term for 24 months and full-time at 37 hours per week.

You will apply to a single campaign, be assessed through a shared recruitment process, and depending on your strengths and experience, be appointed to the role best matched to your profile.

About the roles

1. Consultancy & Knowledge Exchange Focus

You will drive external income generation through consultancy, collaborative R&D and KE activity, working closely with academic colleagues to translate expertise into commercial services and partnerships

Key aspects of the role include:

• Developing and securing consultancy and KE opportunities
• Building strong relationships with industry, public and third-sector partners
• Leading on bids, proposals and partnership development
• Acting as a key account manager for strategic clients
• Identifying new markets, funding streams and commercial opportunities

This role is outward-facing, commercially driven and centred on growing income and partnerships at scale.

2. Research Commercialisation Focus

You will play a leading role in identifying and shaping commercial opportunities arising from research and intellectual assets, supporting the University’s commercialisation pipeline

Key aspects of the role include:

• Working with academics to identify research with commercial potential
• Shaping early-stage opportunities and routes to market
• Acting as the interface with contracts, IP and commercialisation specialists
• Leading external engagement with potential partners, customers or licensees
• Providing insight, analysis and coordination across the commercialisation pipeline

This role focuses on translating research into real-world applications and commercial impact.

What we’re looking for

We are seeking experienced, proactive professionals with strong commercial awareness and a passion for innovation.

You will demonstrate:

• A strong track record in business development, knowledge exchange, innovation or research support
• Experience working with external partners and building strategic relationships
• The ability to identify, shape and develop opportunities into funded activity or partnerships
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex ideas for different audiences
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities

You may bring experience from higher education, research-intensive environments, industry, or innovation ecosystems.

Why join us?

At the University of Lincoln, you will:

• Work at the interface of academia, industry and innovation
• Contribute to research addressing challenges such as food security, health, defence, energy and culture.
• Be part of a collaborative, supportive team shaping the future of enterprise and commercialisation
• Play a visible role in delivering economic impact and regional growth

Closing Date: 28 May 2026

Department: Administrative and Professional Services

Salary: £44,746 per annum
Please note, this post is permanent and full-time at 37 hours per week.

About the Role

In this role, you will support the front end of business development activity by identifying, qualifying and progressing new opportunities across the University’s broad portfolio of expertise, services and collaborative activity. You will engage with industry, public sector organisations and strategic partners to develop a strong pipeline of opportunities, ensuring they are effectively shaped before transitioning into delivery.

Working closely with Business Development Managers and academic teams across the University, you will play an important role in connecting institutional expertise with external challenges and opportunities within a target-driven environment, with clear expectations around lead generation, pipeline development and external engagement activity.

About You

We are looking for someone with experience in business engagement, lead generation or commercially focused environments who can manage multiple priorities and build effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

You will be confident using data-driven insights and an analytical approach to assess prospects, identify trends and support decision-making, while progressing opportunities through the early stages of the business development pipeline. Strong organisational, networking and communication skills are essential, alongside the ability to use data to inform engagement strategies and monitor activity effectively.

A proactive and professional approach is key, as is a willingness to undertake regular travel to support meetings, networking and partnership development activities.

What We Offer

The University offers a supportive and collaborative environment where you will have the opportunity to:

• Develop your commercial and business engagement skills 
• Expand your professional network across industry and academia 
• Contribute to activity with measurable institutional impact 
• Access a wide range of staff development opportunities and employee benefits 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Reece Leggett, Strategic Manager – Venture Development, at rleggett@lincoln.ac.uk.

Closing Date: 28 May 2026

Department: Administrative and Professional Services

Salary: £38,784 per annum
Please note, this post is fixed-term for 24 months and full-time at 37 hours per week.

Working with senior leaders, academics and professional services colleagues, you will ensure the University delivers a strong, compliant and well-coordinated submission by leading on development, implementation of institutional plans, systems and governance structures to support REF activity.

The role holds responsibility for ensuring that institutional processes are aligned with REF2029 requirements, with significant implications for institutional reputation, research performance and continuation of Quality-Related (QR) research funding. You will oversee the development and coordination of all elements of the REF submission including Contributions to Knowledge and Understanding (CKU), Engagement and Impact (E&I), Open Access and Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE).

About you

You will hold significant knowledge and understanding of REF strategy and policy, with experience of leading complex institutional research assessment processes.

You will hold strong organisational and project management skills, are able to analyse and present complex data, and can demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. You are able to lead, influence and work effectively as part of a team, and are able to develop effective working relationships and networks with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

For informal enquiries or further information, please contact Dr. Laurence Gardiner, Head of Research Impact and Culture - (lgardiner@lincoln.ac.uk).

Closing Date: 31 May 2026

Department: Administrative and Professional Services

Salary: £58,225 per annum
Please note, this post is permanent and full-time at 37 hours per week.