Business Development Manager

Job Description

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION OFFICE

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the following posts:

1. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (X 1)

Duties and Responsibilities

· Identifying opportunities to exploit the University’s innovation endeavors to create new income streams.

· Working closely with the Innovation Manager in engaging with students, staff, industry and community to fully understand the capabilities and knowledge capital.

· Engaging externally with relevant sectors, industries and businesses with a view to exploit the capabilities of the University.

· Generating new income streams through commercialisation of knowledge capital, facilities and/or research and development projects.

· Influencing others and secure buy-in and commitment from staff across the University to deliver on projects and opportunities with external businesses and companies.

· Supporting staff and students to build their confidence and skills in business engagement as well as their awareness and understanding of key industrial strategies that affect the City, Country and region.

· Writing business plans including financial budget delivery plans allied to innovation exploitation.

· Carry out any other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelors degree in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) or related discipline.

• A Master’s in degree in Business Administration.

• At least five (5) years of working experience in a research and development environment.

· Strong negotiation skills to close deals and form partnerships.

· Clear and persuasive communication for pitching ideas, writing proposals, and engaging stakeholders.

· Ability to deliver compelling presentations to potential clients or partners.

· Understanding of market trends, competitors, and customer needs.

· Ability to analyse sales data, performance metrics, and return on investment (ROI).

· Building and maintaining relationships with clients, partners, and industry stakeholders.

· Developing trust and rapport with clients for long-term success.

· Ability to identify new business opportunities, markets, and revenue streams.

· Quick and creative thinking to address challenges or conflicts.

· Understanding how to manage and allocate resources effectively.

· Ability to project revenues, profits, and costs to inform business decisions.

· Organizing and managing time efficiently to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks.

· Working with cross-functional teams (sales, marketing, product development).

· Being flexible to industry changes, evolving customer needs, and internal business shifts.

· Persistence and motivation in overcoming obstacles.

· Basic understanding of digital marketing tactics to support lead generation.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit certified copies of certificates, transcripts, national identification and Curriculum Vitae giving full personal particulars including full names, date of birth, qualifications, experience, present salary, date of availability, contact details, names and addresses of three referees addressed to the Deputy Registrar – Human Resource

The application pack should be sent as a single merged pdf file to email address: academicrecruitment@staff.msu.ac.zw. The subject line should be labelled with the post being applied for.

Closing date for applications is Thursday, 31 October 2024. Note that only short- listed candidates will be communicated to.