Business Development Officer

This opportunity is only available to current employees and students at the University.

We’re looking for a Business Development Officer to help build and develop PDR’s portfolio, supporting our commercial consultancy work.

This is an excellent opportunity for a driven and talented business or product development graduate (or similar) with an interest in new product creation, who takes initiative and enjoys building relationships.

The Business Development Officer will work with the Design Specialists and have responsibility for prospecting, qualifying and generating new business leads. You will proactively generate fresh enquiries as well as follow up with enquiries made to PDR across the whole of their commercial services from consumer insight and sustainable design through to detailed product design and engineering.

About PDR

PDR is a leading design consultancy and applied research centre. Trusted by many of the world's leading brands, we pride ourselves on repeatedly developing innovative new solutions in products, services and experiences that truly connect to users and challenge markets.

PDR’s consultancy offer encompasses a broad range of design and innovation support services to organisations in both the public and private sector and in both domestic and international markets. PDR works across a wide range of industries and this role will focus on Marketing PDR’s activities to a wide international audience.

You’ll play a key role in:

• Liaising between PDR and the business community and being proactive in generating new contacts and leads.
• Undertaking research and study into both sector and company and technology / capability specific areas to help proactively identify new business opportunities.
• Proactively generating fresh enquiries as well as following up with enquiries made to PDR across the whole of their commercial services from consumer insight and sustainable design through to detailed product design and engineering.
• Supporting client discussions. You will be expected to maintain a level of competency and understanding of PDR commercial design and innovation activities sufficient to support client and business development needs.
• Attending events, exhibitions, conferences, business network events and other activities to represent PDR’s activities to a broad audience including where required presentation of PDR and its activities to a wider audience.
• Maintaining an up-to-date CRM system, ensuring accurate records, good data quality and clear reporting of activity and opportunities.

What you’ll bring

A proactive and collaborative team player with a strong ability to identify and develop new business opportunities across multiple channels. You will bring excellent organisational and planning skills, enabling you to prioritise effectively, meet deadlines and maintain and develop our CRM system with accurate, well structured information. You will have experience working within a commercial environment, supported by strong written communication skills and the ability to produce high-quality documentation. You will also be confident in presenting and promoting products and/or services to both small and large audiences. You will be a self-starter who spots what needs doing.

Additionally, you’ll have:

• Familiarity in core services within PDR, able to identify, clarify and explore client potential needs and possibilities and PDR’s potential to support their ambitions.
• Experience within B2B promotion and engagement.
• A degree equivalent qualification in Business/Product Design or a related subject or relevant experience.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?

We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.

We offer excellent benefits such as:

• Annual leave of 25 days, rising to 30 days after 1 years’ service, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies – take a look on our Policy Hubpage.
• Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
• Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

For more information about the role please contact Julie Stephens on jstephens@pdr-design.com, or feel free to contact Cerys Purdon, the Recruitment Advisor supporting this vacancy on CPurdon@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

All applications must be submitted online.

The person specification will be used as a tool for shortlisting; so please make sure you use this information when writing your application. You can find useful hints and tips about how to apply by visiting our Application Guidance page.

Further details:    Job Description Swydd Ddisgrifiad

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Should a high volume of applications be received, we may need to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.

All applicants with disabilities, or those who are part of the Armed Forces community who during the shortlisting process meet the essential criteria for the role will be progressed to the next stage.

The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture. We offer family friendly and flexible working arrangements and a range of staff networks, forums and events to support and develop our people. We warmly welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the higher education sector.