Head of Global Business & Enterprise - Dubai Campus

Purpose of Role 

The Head of Global Business & Enterprise, is a full-time role within Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus and will play a significant role in the development and growth of industry engagement, predominantly focused on R&D partnerships, consultancy, contract research and licensing deals related to the development and establishment of the University’s Global Research Institutes/ Centres of Excellence.

Strategic Projects and Stakeholder Engagement - The role holder will lead and manage Major Projects some of which have values in excess of £100M and require significant stakeholder engagement within business and government, examples of ongoing projects are listed below, the role would also be expected to seek out new major economic transformation opportunities:

• Establishment of UAE Robotarium
• Net-Zero Research Institute
• International CDT establishment
• COP 28 Fringe 10 event
• Incubator
• Corporate Events
• CESC (commercial development)
• Continuing Education and Life-Long Learning

The role holder will be responsible for growing a pipeline of opportunities, closing deals, and managing relationships with key industry accounts. This is an exciting opportunity, where the role-holder will have the ability to shape the future direction of industry engagement across the University drive new revenue streams. 

Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Lead, coordinate, manage, report, and meet objectives/deliverables for major projects with industry and government.
• Lead the development of the incubator. 
• Lead the development of the commercial arm of CESSC.
• Coordinate and synergise the activities and business streams represented in the External Engagement Group (These currently in addition to the incubator and commercial arm of CESSC include, Careers-Alumni-Industry Engagement, Corporate events, Sustainability, Lifelong and Continuing Education and Research Coordination)
• Proactively driving business development and account management relating to R&D partnerships, consultancy and/or licensing activity aligned to global research strengths.
• Leading engagement with existing and potential industry partners, building relationships that lead to long-term value creation.
• Develop, nurture, and maintain high level government contacts and networks.
• Cultivating high-impact opportunities in collaboration with leading academic groups across the University to identify and secure new income streams.
• Management of the ‘sales funnel’ and relevant support processes including CRM (Salesforce)
• Develop and maintain strong technical and commercial awareness of Heriot-Watt’s capabilities and expertise.
• Lead, manage and develop direct reports

Education, Qualifications & Experience: 

Essential

1. Educated to first degree level (or equivalent qualification)
2. Strong commercial and technical expertise (preferably in an R&D environment)
3. Good at managing resources, workloads and changing priorities. 
4. Demonstrable ability to work within a fast-changing innovation environment. 
5. Proven experience of developing propositions and securing funding agreements
6. Excellent communication, influencing and interpersonal skills.
7. Demonstrated networking and stakeholder management skills.
8. Flexible and resilient

Desirable

1. Chartered Member of relevant Professional Body
2. Experience of universities and/or R&D collaboration
3. Knowledge and experience working with the UAE Government, Corporates, and Industries.

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

The appointment is conditional upon successful completion of all Labour and Immigration formalities.