10–12 week contract | Flexible hours
ASAP start | Approx. $85–90 p/h + super
WOW Recruitment is seeking a confident and relationship‑driven Business Development Manager - Research Partnerships to support a leading University research environment based in Sydney’s CBD.
This is a short‑term contract role suited to someone who enjoys working at the intersection of research and industry, and who can translate complex ideas into clear, compelling conversations that lead to funded research partnerships. This is not a traditional sales role. Success is measured by the quality of engagement, strength of relationships and clear next steps.
You’ll work closely with Research Directors and senior stakeholders, representing research centres externally to gain funding for research.
What you will be doing
- Acting as the primary engagement point for external industry partners
- Building and maintaining warm, trust‑based stakeholder relationships
- Calling and meeting with prospects to assess interest in funding research initiatives
- Translating complex research into clear, non‑technical, industry‑friendly messaging
- Presenting via face‑to‑face meetings, Teams, round tables and events
- Securing verbal commitment from interested partners and providing a smooth handover to contracts teams
- Experience in consulting, government, university or industry‑facing roles
- Exposure to research environments highly regarded
- Business development/client relationship management‑adjacent experience a must
- Strong ability to translate complex ideas for non‑technical audiences
- Confidence engaging senior stakeholders one‑on‑one and in group settings
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple stakeholders
- A calm, credible, and relationship‑first communication style
- Meaningful short‑term contract with real‑world impact
- Flexible working arrangements (hybrid, flexible hours)
- Exposure to senior leaders and nationally relevant research projects
- Thoughtful, professional culture - relationship‑led
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