Business Development Manager

Addressing climate change, meeting targets such as net zero and creating a sustainable future for humanity are among the biggest challenges that society faces today. Scientific measurement plays a key role across the board, to understand the Earth system, to identify the potential for innovation, to assuring innovations do deliver as intended. To increase our understanding of the climate system, we need to measure it; to assess progress on greenhouse gas emissions, we need to measure them; and to assure that low carbon innovations are working, we need to measure them. Whether you’re talking about length, mass, time, temperature, electric current, amount or the brightness of light, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) sets the standards by which these things are all measured.

The Environment team identifies and develops our Environment strategy through which we work with our scientists to engage stakeholders, identify new science opportunities, build our scientific capabilities and to support the delivery so that we create impact from science.

This role is a member of the Environment team in Partnerships Directorate, contributes to the growth targets set in the NPL business plan through identifying, developing and contracting collaborative opportunities that create impact, advance science and generate revenue.

In this role you will have a great opportunity in learning NPL science, deepening environmental monitoring knowledge and more importantly contributing to a green future.

•  Work with external stakeholders to identify, scope and secure business development opportunities towards business targets within Environment.
• Develop relationships with potential customers to ensure a deep insight into the customer’s requirements using scientific and engineering knowledge. Identify stakeholders’ challenges and connect with NPL capabilities.
• Monitor and review key tender platforms to identify NPL commercial opportunities and bid open tenders that within NPL capabilities.
• Increase sales of Measurement Services. Secure repeat long term contracts. Carry out market research and appraise for new Measurement Service opportunities.
• Attend and possibly speak at conferences, exhibitions, webinars, industry events. Identify and attend key industry associations. Promote NPL capability and reputation, as well as acquire latest market news and insights.
• Work with internal stakeholders, develop deep understanding of NPL capabilities and where NPL capabilities can add value to government, industry and other funding organisations.
• Follow NPL Bid Governance process, ensure opportunities are aligned to the NPL strategy. Accurately report and update on opportunity progress using Sales Force tool and provide analysis as appropriate.
• Responsible for taking reasonable duty of care for Health & Safety.
• Delivery focused. Ability to efficiently manage multiple Business Development opportunities. Prioritise based on value, probability and impact.
• Curiosity in science and technology. Interest in learning NPL science and metrology.
• Business knowledge. Commercial experience. Awareness of business finance. Commercial mind-set. Negotiation skills
•  People skills. Work with stakeholders with different background and level of experience. Ability to lead a bid.
• Strong communication skills. Verbal commination. Writing skills to produce BD proposal and write a bid. 
  
  

  We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

  Please note:  Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.  We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. 

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.