Business Development Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for two Business Development Managers to join our Research Partnerships team, working at the forefront of research and innovation. Reporting to the Director, Research Partnerships, you will play a key role in connecting industry needs with Curtin’s world-class research capability, helping translate ideas into impactful collaborations.

In this role, you will develop and maintain strategic relationships with industry, government and other external partners, negotiate collaborative agreements, and identify opportunities that align Curtin’s research strengths with real-world challenges. You will also lead and support the development of major research funding proposals, including coordinating business cases and contributing to competitive grant submissions.

This position is well suited to someone with a natural curiosity and a passion for working in a dynamic research and innovation environment. You will be instrumental in promoting the value of demand-driven research to the Curtin research community, while also championing Curtin’s expertise to industry and funding bodies - helping expand the university’s research portfolio and maximise its societal and economic impact.

• Identify and develop research partnership opportunities aligned with the University’s strategic priorities.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective partners through proactive networking, outreach, and targeted engagement.
• Establish and maintain relationships with industry partners, government agencies, not-for-profit organisations, and other key stakeholders.
• Understand partner needs and objectives and align the University’s research capabilities to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of research partnership strategies that support the university’s long-term research and engagement goals.

• A relevant postgraduate qualification (such as an MBA) and extensive experience in business development; or an equivalent combination of significant experience and expertise.
• Strong commercial acumen, with a demonstrated track record of delivering successful business outcomes.
• Highly developed negotiation skills in all aspects of business.
• An established professional network within the business community, with proven ability to build and leverage strategic relationships.
• Sound knowledge of intellectual property protection and its application in collaborative and commercial environments.
• Working knowledge of commercial law, particularly as it relates to contracts and agreements relevant to partnership and research activities.
• Proven ability to interpret complex legal and commercial documentation and translate it into practical outcomes.
• Strong business planning and strategic thinking capabilities, with the ability to contribute to organisational objectives.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• A collaborative approach, with demonstrated ability to work effectively within small, multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of the Australian research and innovation system and its key stakeholders.

• Experience working within or in partnership with a research organisation.
• Experience working within Health, Critical Minerals, or Business and Law sectors.

Across all our research areas, we aim to strike a balance between demand-driven research, which solves defined problems for industry and society, and researcher-driven research, which is characterised by a desire to push the limits of understanding.

Our research is broad in scope, encompassing a range of fields in science, engineering, health, society, engineering, health, society, business and more.

For more information, see https://research.curtin.edu.au/.

Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/  

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.  

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/  

• Up to date resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and demonstrating how your background meets the position’s selection criteria (noted above) - no more than two pages

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.