Business Operations Executive Edinburgh
Job description
Job Description: Grade and Salary: Grade 7, £35,308 - £43,155 per annum FTE and working pattern: 1 FTE, 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday Holiday Entitlement: 28 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday) Purpose of Role The role of Business Operations Executive is essential for the University to achieve its strategic objectives in diversifying funding sources and increasing its industrial income (e.g. from business and funds relating to the UK Industrial Strategy), increasing the number and quality of strategic partnerships underpinning this income and to deliver on the University Knowledge Exchange (KE) commitments within the SFC University Innovation Fund, Interface, Innovate UK KTP program and other key funds. Liaising across the University campuses, the Business Operations Executive will ensure specialised, professional advice is provided to Business Development Managers and to Academic teams across HWU to actively engage with industry-led research funding proposals or undertaking KE activity to demonstrate the wider impacts of HWU research. About our School/Directorate and Team The Business and Enterprise Directorate's vision is to shape a better future through collaborative industry partnerships and start-up facilitation, fostering a culture that promotes and celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship whilst growing a globally connected ecosystem that delivers significant value to our students, staff, partners, and communities. By achieving this vision, we can unlock new opportunities for revenue generation and economic impact. We aim to drive new opportunities and outcomes aligned to the University's Strategy 2025 by providing the highest quality business development and commercialisation support that enables Heriot-Watt to build on its research strength and unlock new opportunities, funding and investment irrespective of geographical location. Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities Assist in the preparation of strategic business development proposals, pitches, and presentations, in collaboration with the Business Development Team. Maintain accurate and up-to-date CRM records, ensuring efficient information exchange and data management. Handle and direct inbound enquiries from industry partners, effectively routing them to appropriate members of the Business Development Team. Support the planning and execution of knowledge exchange events and workshops, helping to foster strong relationships with industry partners and maximise business engagement opportunities. Conduct research to identify potential new partners, funding opportunities, and emerging industry trends relevant to the department's focus areas. Assist in the creation and distribution of departmental communications, including newsletters, web content, and social media updates. Perform other duties as assigned by the Business Operations Manager and Head of Business Development, which contribute to the overall goals of the department and university Working with colleagues across the university (Alumni, Corporate Communications etc.) to initiate and deliver internal and external events to support the marketing, development and enhancement of related activities Engaging with academic members of staff to promote participation in Business Development & outreach activities Education, Qualifications & Experience Essential * Educated to first degree level or equivalent or equivalent practical experience in the workplace Good knowledge and understanding of relevant legal, statutory and governance applications and turning them into good practice Experience of working within a similar environment as outlined above Experience of working closely with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation Ability to research, analyse and present complex information effectively with good attention to detail Excellent interpersonal, influencing and presentation skills, able to understand and communicate complex issues effectively Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly, and accurately in a dynamic, changing, and pressured environment High level organisational skills with the ability to prioritise major developments and to function effectively in a pressured environment Desirable * Degree in specific subject (if applicable) Professional Qualification or membership of Professional body (where applicable) Experience of working in Higher Education Ability to manage budgets Globally relevant professional qualification such as Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP) (or be working toward same) How to Apply Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Wednesday, 2nd August 2023. Please submit your CV via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment. Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers . We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options. Use our total rewards calculator: to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University. Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business, and industry. Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business, and languages. Heriot-Watt is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort. Heriot-Watt University
