Senior Manager – Business Development

The Senior Manager – Business Development is responsible for identifying and securing strategic partnerships that advance HCT’s applied research and innovation agenda. He/she leads initiatives to expand HCT’s presence in the research and innovation ecosystem while driving revenue growth. The role ensures alignment of research capabilities with industry, government, and community needs, maximizing societal and economic impact. This position manages stakeholder relationships and negotiates agreements to strengthen collaboration opportunities. Ultimately, the Senior Manager – Business Development plays a pivotal role in positioning HCT as a leader in applied research and commercialization

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Role

• Develop and execute long-term business development strategies that align with HCT’s mission and innovative objectives
• Identify new markets, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships to expand HCT’s research portfolio and revenue streams
• Position HCT as a preferred partner for industry, government, and community stakeholders through targeted outreach and engagement
• Translate market insights and competitive analysis into actionable growth initiatives
• Support the commercialization of applied research outcomes and ensure alignment with UAE’s national innovation agenda
• Contribute to the development of regular high-level reporting on projects and budgets as part of the wider departmental responsibility to ensure effective management, reporting and communication of the HCT strategic mission and progress.

Operational Role

• Lead the end-to-end process of identifying, negotiating, and formalizing strategic partnerships.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging opportunities.
• Oversee the preparation of business cases, proposals, and funding applications.
• Manage the development of budgets and forecasts to ensure financial viability of initiatives.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (faculty, researchers, industry) to design collaborative projects.
• Monitor project performance and report on key business development metrics.
• Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and regulatory requirements for contracts.
• Support marketing and outreach efforts to showcase HCT’s research capabilities.
• Organize networking events, workshops, and stakeholder meetings to foster collaboration.
• Maintain an updated pipeline of opportunities and partnerships.
• Guide operational teams to deliver on agreed partnership objectives.
• Prepare regular progress reports for the Director of Applied Research and senior leadership

Leadership Role

• Lead and inspire a team to achieve ambitious business development targets.
• Serve as HCT’s ambassador in high-level meetings, representing the institution with professionalism and authority.
• Provide mentorship and capacity-building for junior staff in business development and partnership management
• Drive a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability within the department
• Contribute in an effective and efficient manner to the recruitment, coaching and mentoring of UAE Nationals in the unit.

Qualifications

• A minimum of Master’s degree in Business Administration, Technology Management, or related field (PhD preferred but not mandatory).
• PMP, CBDP, or equivalent certifications in business development/project management are advantageous.

Experience

• A Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in business development, strategy, or partnerships, ideally within academia, research, or a technology-driven organization
• Demonstrated success in forming and managing strategic alliances with industry, government, and academic partners
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.