Cooperation Manager of Academic Partnerships and Business Development

Cooperation Manager of Academic Partnerships and Business Development

Job Description

A leading R&D organization seeks a motivated Academic Partnerships and Business Development Manager to cultivate strategic collaborations with academic institutions and research organizations. The role identifies and manages opportunities for joint innovation, talent development, and research initiatives, aligning these efforts with the company’s long-term strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Academic & Research Partnerships Development: Identify and cultivate strategic collaborations with universities, research centers, and academic institutions to drive joint research, co-develop new technologies, and explore funding opportunities.

• Investment in Research & Innovation: Evaluate collaboration opportunities with academic institutions aligned with the company’s long-term goals, including academic investments and innovation hubs.

• Strategic Alignment with Academia: Develop deep relationships with academic leaders and researchers, aligning the company's research interests with emerging academic trends.

• University Engagement & Talent Development: Build talent pipelines through internships, fellowships, and joint PhD/post-doc programs to foster the next generation of researchers and innovators.

• Proposal Development & Negotiation: Lead the preparation and negotiation of proposals for academic collaborations, ensuring alignment with academic and corporate objectives.

• Oversee the execution and performance of academic partnerships, working closely with R&D, legal, and finance teams

• Reporting & Metrics: Regularly report to senior management on the status of academic initiatives, ensuring they align with the company’s broader goals.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Science, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred). A technical background related to R&D or academia is essential.

o 4+ years in business development or corporate-academic partnerships, ideally in an R&D or technology-focused organization.

o Proven track record of managing academic collaborations, joint research programs, and talent development initiatives.

o Experience in the ICT sector (Information and Communications Technology), particularly in academic collaborations and research.

o Experience with international collaborations, especially in academic partnerships, is a plus.

Skills:

o Strong business acumen with an understanding of aligning academic partnerships with corporate innovation strategies.

o Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, especially with academic leaders and research faculty.

o Ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects.

o Strong analytical skills with a focus on strategic business value.

o Results-oriented mindset with a proven ability to foster growth through academic partnerships.

o Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with competing priorities.

o Experience in the R&D or technology sector is highly preferred, with a focus on international collaboration.