UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
RECRUITMENT ROLE PROFILE FORM

Job Title:Senior Executive-Asia Business Centre

School/Department:Business Engagement & Innovation Services

Salary:£37,394 - £45,954pro-rata per annum, depending on skills & experience. Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance

Job Family and Level:Administrative, Professional, Managerial, level 5

Contract Status:Fixed-term contract (6 months Maternity Cover)

Hours of Work:Full-time, 36.25 hours per week

Location:Business Engagement and Innovation Services (Jubilee Campus)

Reporting to:Head, Asia Business Centre

Purpose of the New Role:

The University’s two Asia campuses, in China and Malaysia, coupled with growing opportunities for the University to engage businesses and organisations in Asia, led to the creation of an Asia Business Centre (ABC). The ABC is part of the University’s Business Engagement and Innovation Services (BEIS) directorate. Key objectivesfor the ABC are to help to diversify income sources into the University globally and sustain growth in educational and research partnerships in Asia. The ABC aims to provide an internal and external focus for business engagement, knowledge exchange, inward investment and technology transfer opportunities.

This post will playa key role within the ABC, focusing on developing relationships andpartnership engagement with key public and private sector organisations as well as developingcommercial opportunitiesand managing projectinitiatives in Asia and the UK.

The successful candidate will draw on a substantial understanding and experience of UK Universities, and ideally the University of Nottingham, togetherwith demonstrating an understanding and ability to engage at senior levels with partner organisations in Asia, both in the public and private sectors. The successful candidate will be required to collaborate extensively in fulfilling this role, linking with external partners and with the Faculties and key professional services departments located in Nottingham, China, Malaysia and India (such as the International Office, Research and Graduate Services, the Careers and Employability Office and the Campaign Office). The successful candidate will be required to undertake some overseas travel to Asia as part of this role.

Main Responsibilities / % time per year
1. / As part of the ABC, to support the development of partnership and relationship opportunities between the University and Asiato realise commercial income targets - working with academics, the International Research and Knowledge Transfer Priority Group, BEIS colleagues, the overseas campuses and senior representatives of Asian organisations. / 20%
2. / To lead on the prospecting, formation, development and realisation of commercial opportunities developed through market intelligence and well managed relationships with various levels of Asian enterprises, organisations, and public sector institutions - in close collaboration with the overseas campus.
To present these opportunities to the University community in a passionate and coherent manner to secure academic and professional services buy in and support. / 20%
3. / To support the objectives of the ABC, BEIS and broader University by providing an advisory input on Asia related initiatives to maximise the scale and impact of such activities. / 20%
4. / To support a portfolio of developing Asia projectsdirectly - leading on the relationship management, communicating effectively with colleagues, and facilitating other expert advice (e.g. contractual, IP related and legal) to successfully design, negotiate and deliver large scale projects.
5. / To prepare for and advise on the development of fully costed proposals to potential sponsoring organisations and commercial companies- taking into account all aspects of project development (e.g. costs, price, IPand delivery mechanisms). / 15%
6. / To undertake any other duties appropriate to the level and post. / 5%

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Essential / Desirable
Qualifications/ Education /
  • Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject
/
  • Higher degree, with a research component, in a relevant subject

Skills/Training /
  • Proven ability to work and communicate effectively in the UK and Asia
  • Proven record of working with industry (both in UK and Asia) in a commercial and international environment
  • Demonstrable business acumen and customer focus
  • Excellent communications skills (written, oral and presentation) in English and at least one relevant Asian language
  • Ability to conduct market research to identify and prioritise commercial opportunities
/
  • Experience of translation between English and Chinese (and vice versa)

Experience /
  • Experience in the development of commercial UK-Asia partnerships
  • Good understanding of UK Universities, commercial organisations and the development opportunities offered in Asia
  • Experience in hosting overseas delegations and organising outbound visits
  • The ability to work well in teams and communicate effectively
  • Demonstrable project management skills and ability to plan effectively
  • Research experience/awareness and understanding of both the UK and Asia landscape for research and project funding
/
  • Specific experience of University partnerships with Asianorganisations.
  • Direct experience of UK-Asia partnership development and/or project delivery
  • Clear understanding around the demands and expectations of companies regarding education, R&D and the adoption of new technologies

Statutory/Legal /
  • Understanding and familiarity with contractsand grant conditions relating to research and relevant University activity
/
  • Understanding of the role of IP in the context of research partnerships and business engagement

Decision Making

i)taken independently by the role holder

Following up specific approved projects, including the established links with relevant partner organisations. Input to specific project developments. Introductions of key contacts to the wider UoN community.

ii)taken in collaboration with others

Strategy and approach in targeting new contacts in organisations. The organisation of “project teams” to take forward development opportunities. Negotiation of matters relating to the contractual position (contract, IP, etc). The development of events or other high profile activity (e.g. visits). Resources approval to support travel, seed funding for projects.

iii)referred to the appropriate line manager by the role holder

The approval for specific proposal submissions and / or contractual approval of awarded projects.

Due to the requirements of the UK Border and Immigration Agency, applicants who are not UK or EEA nationals and whose immigration status entitles them to work without restriction in the UK will be considered on an equal basis with UK and EEA nationals. Other non-UK or non-EEA nationals whose employment will require permission to work subject to a resident labour market test may only be considered if there are no suitable UK or EEA national candidates for the post. Please visit for more information.

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