Senior Business Development Manager

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on

Job Description - Senior Business Development Manager (24000861)

Job Description

Senior Business Development Manager (

Job Number:

Durham Law School

Open-Ended/Permanent - Full Time

Closing Date

Closing Date

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement : Not Applicable.

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.
Across the University we have a wide variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here

The Role – Senior Business Development Manager for Just Transitions to a Net Zero World

The Senior Business Development Manager will be situated within the Law School but work with an interdisciplinary academic team on an exciting new project: Just Transitions to a Net Zero World (JusTN0W). The project is funded by the University under the umbrella of the Strategic Research Fund (SRF).

The Law School

Durham Law School is a leading law school. Consistently ranked in the Top 10 nationally and Top 50 globally, it has been growing strongly over the past few years and now comprises a community of over 100 academics and professional support staff. Durham Law School fosters innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to legal research and wishes to attract scholars with strong backgrounds in these areas. The Law School provides a supportive environment for its community of Professional services staff and academics, which comprises a very generous sabbatical policy and an infrastructure of high-profile research centres that brings together colleagues for collaborative projects. The Law School is housed in the iconic Palatine Centre overlooking Durham Cathedral in the heart of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located on the main East Coast trainline connecting to London and Edinburgh and also within convenient reach of Newcastle Airport. The School has an extensive network of leading international partner institutions and close ties with the City of London and the Inns of Court. It counts among its alumni two Supreme Court Justices.

The Law School’s top-ranked undergraduate and postgraduate law courses are very competitive with an excellent and diverse student population from across the world. The Law School delivers a cutting-edge, research-led curriculum, with a commitment to small group teaching through seminars and tutorials much prized by employers.

The Law School’s strategic objectives put Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at the heart of everything that we do. We are committed to EDI and actively develop our policies and procedures to ensure that everyone within our community is treated fairly and is provided with the same opportunities. This applies to our everyday working in teaching, research and administration, including academic progression and promotion processes. The Law School is also proud to hold the Athena Swan Bronze award.

The SRF Project: Just Transitions to a Net Zero World

The JusTN0W initiative is embedded into the Durham Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy (CSDLP) that operates from within the Law School but across all faculties of the University. The JusTN0W initiative aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reaffirms Durham's commitment to global research excellence while contributing to the University’s global standing. The work programme centres on interdisciplinary research to develop sustainable and just solutions for societies facing global challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. It represents a unique opportunity for our academic community to make a meaningful impact in addressing issues that sit at the heart of Just Transitions. More information on the CSDLP and the JusTN0W initiative can be found here

Role Purpose: Senior Business Development Manager for Just Transitions to a Net Zero World

The Senior Business Development Manager will contribute to increasing and diversifying the project’s income streams and will support the academic team in grant capture activities. The Senior Business Development Manager will provide both strategic and operational support to the lead investigators and the academic team.

This highly varied role will manage, maintain, and enhance our commercial, engagement and outreach profile regionally, nationally, and internationally, ensuring that the initiative is promoted and represented. The postholder will work closely with key stakeholders, while increasing and securing the financial contributions and income streams through existing and new partnerships. In addition, the postholder will work with the team to ensure the timely submission of high-quality research grant proposal and organise large bids and funding consortia.

The Senior Business Development Manager should be target driven, confident and have a good understanding and demonstrable evidence of past commercial activity and ways to diversify income streams, with academia, industry partners and government stakeholders.

This role will be part of the professional services team at the Law School, reporting directly to the Project Lead.

At Durham University, our aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

The Senior Business Development Manager will play a pivotal role in fostering and expanding the relationships between the JusTN0W project and industry stakeholders, both nationally and internationally. This position works closely and alongside the academic colleagues and the team’s Project Manager and colleagues from Research and Business Development and Impact Team. The postholder will be responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives to identify income generation opportunities and to develop knowledge exchange and capacity building activities.

Typical Role Requirements

Service Delivery/Development

· Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.

· Develop and promote an in-depth understanding of university policy and external developments relevant to your role.

· Ensure that policy and regulatory standards are met by [activities, processes and transactions] tha t are carried out in services you are responsible for.

· Use your professional knowledge and experience a s a [area or discipline practitioner] to [resolve problems, shape processes and activities, develop systems ] and provide subject matter expertise and advice.

· Provide specialist advice on the analysis and interpretation of complex data and information relevant to your area.

· Responsible for operational activity across a wide range of areas

· Look for ways to continually improve services and take a lead role in the development and implementation of assigned policies, processes and standards.

· Instigate and manage business process reviews to improve the service in your area.

· Meet the professional development needs of your stakeholders, providing training when required.

· Ensure data (commercially sensitive and/or personal) is appropriately stored and managed.

· Manage quality and regulatory audits of systems and procedures.

· Support the welfare, wellbeing and employment of your staff by providing professional guidance.

Planning and Organisation

· Contribute to operational leadership teams to influence the type and level of services that are provided by your area

· Contribute to the development of operational and strategic level plans relevant to your area.

· Scope, plan and implement large scale/University wide initiatives

· Oversee projects to deliver agreed objectives while solving any problems which are encountered.

· Provide oversight for short term/temporary project teams.

· Analyse data about the service levels provided by your area and make recommendations for improvement in reports to senior managers and committees.

· Allocate and monitor designated budgets, expenditure and resources

· Use your professional knowledge to identify and recommend priorities for long-term business plans.

· Provide professional guidance and advice

· Design creative and innovative communications to promote and increase engagement relating to your role and the school

· Influence University policy and standards by leading operational business meetings, working groups and sub-committees.

· Design and deliver training to your stakeholders to support their development and information needs.

· Create strong working relationships, including internal and external networks, using your networks to increase your knowledge and skills, swap information with peers and positively influence the University’s reputation.

· Represent the School and University at promotional events.

· Identify opportunities to develop and increase participation in special interest groups.

· Any other reasonable duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy aligned with JusTN0W’s goals and objectives. Identify key industry sectors, target markets, and growth opportunities to enhance the project’s financial sustainability, visibility and impact, Relationship Building and Outreach: Identify and nurture relationships with industry partners, including academia, law firms, legal practitioners, corporate entities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Proactively identify how partnerships can support the team’s research, grant capture, engagement and impact.
• Knowledge Exchange: Lead and coordinate knowledge exchange initiatives, conferences and workshops, collaborative projects, and the team’s participation on international events, including with industry stakeholders. Facilitate the exchange of expertise, resources, and best practices.
• Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for industry inquiries, requests, and partnerships related to the JusTN0W project. Develop and deliver tailored engagement programs, workshops, and events to promote dialogue, networking, and collaboration between academia, government, investors and industry.
• Grant capture support: Identify, coordinate, and track grant capture activities and support the team in writing and submitting proposals.
• Internationalisation: Expand the project’s international footprint by forging strategic alliances, partnerships, and exchange programs with leading universities, research institutions, and legal organisations worldwide.
• Impact: Identify impact opportunities and potential users and beneficiaries of research projects, establish pathways through which societal impact can be achieved.
• Marketing and Promotion: Develop and implement marketing campaigns, promotional materials, and online presence strategies to enhance the visibility and reputation of the Law Department among industry stakeholders. Showcase the team’s expertise, research impact, and success stories through targeted communication channels and engagement platforms.
• Performance Monitoring: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of business development activities, partnerships, and collaborations. Track key performance indicators, metrics, and outcomes to measure the impact and return on investment of industry engagement initiatives.

Specific role requirements

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• We offer a generous pension scheme, as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• The University has a genuine commitment to developing colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. 
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. 
• A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. 
• If you are moving to Durham, we can help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham, we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all our colleagues are aligned to our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification 
When applying for this post it is essential to provide the evidence of your skills, experience and qualifications. Please use strong examples to demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria below. Desirable criteria will also be considered, please provide the evidence as applicable. Your application should cover the following criteria:

Qualifications/Experience

2. Proven experience in strategic business planning and development, partnership management, and securing funding, including in an international context and with a variety of partners.

3. Strong understanding of the industry landscape, trends, and dynamics, in the field of sustainability and just transitions, both nationally and internationally.

4. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and credibility with diverse stakeholders.

5. Ability to lead on the organisation of conferences, workshops and other knowledge exchange initiatives and to participate in international events, fostering new and existing links with stakeholders.

6. Results-oriented mindset with a track record of achieving and monitoring progress towards targets, driving growth, and delivering impactful outcomes.

7. Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary academic environment.

Note: This job description outlines the primary duties and responsibilities of the Senior Business Development Manager for the JusTN0W project at Durham University. However, additional duties may be assigned as needed.

1. A Masters Degree.

2. Demonstrable developed negotiating skills with proven experience and ability to confidently persuade senior business partners to invest in research and engagement activities.

3. Track record of supporting grant capture through writing and reviewing proposals.

4. Ability to establish pathways to research impact and to support case studies that demonstrate societal change.

5. Demonstrable experience in communicating with government-level experts and representatives.

6. Prince 2 or a related Project Management Qualification

How to Apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. Submitting your application

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. What you need to submit

• A CV.
• A supporting statement or covering letter which outlines how you meet the criteria within the Person Specification.

If you feel confident that you meet the essential criteria for the role and would like further information or a chat about the role, please contact the project lead Professor Petra Minnerop on

We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on