Senior Business Development Manager
Salary: Competitive: £50k per annum plus up to £20k performance bonus.
Contract: Permanent, full-time, 37 hours per week.
Reporting to: CEO
Location: Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ
Are you seeking a new Business Development Role?
Are you an experienced Senior Business Development Manager?
Are you looking for a new and exciting challenge?
Would you like to lead commercial growth in one of the world's leading Agri-Science & Innovation across the Rothamsted campus?
Rothamsted Enterprises Ltd (REL) has a newly created role and is seeking an ambitious and commercially focused Senior Business Development Manager to drive revenue growth, industry engagement and strategic partnerships across the Rothamsted Campus. A truly unique chance to work at the intersection of world-leading science, innovation, and industry.
If you are a Senior Business Development Manager, experienced in technical sales and business development, with a proven track record of successfully selling complex scientific, technical or innovation-led products and services, we would like to hear from you.
What will you be doing
As a Senior Business Development Manager, you are an experienced technical sales and business development professional with a proven track record of successfully selling complex scientific, technical or innovation-led products and services. As a member of the Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation Team, you will play a pivotal role in translating scientific excellence into commercial impact, working with the CEO, researchers, innovation managers, knowledge exchange colleagues and customers to strengthen external relationships and translate into sustainable income and growth.
Identify and secure commercial opportunities, promoting the Campus's scientific capabilities and specialist facilities, and building long-term partnerships across agriculture, Agri-tech, food systems, sustainability, biotechnology and environmental sectors.
You will be responsible for the line management, leadership and direction of the Business Development Co-ordinator responsible for the sale and occupancy of office and laboratory space, as well as meetings, events and conference facilities.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Growth & Business Development
- Develop and implement a commercial growth strategy aligned with organisational objectives.
- Identify, qualify and secure new business opportunities across scientific services, consultancy, contract research support, training and innovation programmes.
- Build and manage a robust business development pipeline from lead generation through to contract completion.
- Develop compelling commercial propositions that translate scientific expertise into market-facing solutions.
- Identify new revenue streams and negotiate commercial agreements.
Relationship Management & Market Development
- Build and maintain relationships with industry partners, SMEs, corporates, investors, public-sector organisations and innovation networks.
- Represent Rothamsted Campus at conferences, exhibitions and industry events.
- Identify emerging market trends, customer needs and growth opportunities.
- Develop long-term strategic partnerships that strengthen the Campus ecosystem.
Scientific Services & Consultancy Sales
- Promote access to scientific facilities, specialist equipment, consultancy services and technical expertise.
- Work with researchers and technical specialists to develop commercially attractive service offerings.
- Ensure customers receive outstanding service and clear value from their engagement with Rothamsted Campus.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead, coach and support direct reports to achieve commercial objectives.
- Work collaboratively across the Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation Team and wider Campus community.
- Support knowledge exchange, innovation and enterprise initiatives across the organisation.
Performance & Reporting
- Monitor sales performance, business development activity and commercial outcomes.
- Maintain CRM systems, forecasting tools and reporting processes.
- Track KPIs and provide regular performance updates to senior leadership.
- Contribute to business planning, budgeting and strategic reviews.
About You
We are looking for an experienced commercial professional who combines strong business development expertise with the ability to engage confidently within a scientific and innovation-led environment.
- A self-motivated individual with significant experience in business development, commercial growth or technical/scientific sales.
- Proven track record of generating revenue and securing commercial partnerships.
- Experience selling complex scientific, technical, consultancy or innovation services. Alongside an understanding of the agriculture, Agri-tech, biotechnology, life sciences, sustainability or innovation sectors.
- Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, communication, influencing and negotiation skills
- Demonstrable experience negotiating commercial agreements and managing high-value opportunities.
- Understanding of the agriculture, agri-tech, biotechnology, life sciences, sustainability or innovation sectors.
- Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking capability.
- Full, valid UK driving licence.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends and bank holidays when required.
What We Offer You
Working in the heart of a truly unique environment with a friendly and supportive team, the package includes:
- Competitive salary and bonus package.
- 25 days' annual leave plus an extra day off for your birthday
- Generous Pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Professional Development opportunities
- Free on-site car parking
Ready to take your Apply Now
If you are an accomplished business development professional with a passion for innovation and a proven ability to generate commercial growth, we'd love to hear from you.
Join Rothamsted Enterprises and help transform world-class science into real-world impact.
Interviews commence from the 23rd November 2026
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.