Business Development Manager

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

6d • CA$7,623 - CA$11,887

About The Position

The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute at UBC (Blusson QMI) is a world-leading venture advancing research into solid-state systems and phenomena that explicitly involve quantum mechanics. Blusson QMI operates the Advanced Nanofabrication Facility (ANF) and offers broader research services and expertise to both UBC academic researchers and external industrial partners on a fee-for-service basis. The Business Development Manager is the dedicated professional responsible for driving revenue growth and expanding commercial utilization of Blusson QMI’s nanofabrication and research services. The role focuses on increasing paid usage of the Institute’s nanofabrication and research services while building and strengthening the quantum innovation ecosystem across UBC, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Canada. The primary responsibility is business development, client acquisition, partnership building, and revenue generation through the Institute’s nanofabrication and research services, including dual-use defence and national security-related opportunities. Additional responsibilities include full-cycle management of fee-for-service contracts, matching grant opportunities with Blusson QMI Principal Investigators (PIs) and projects, managing the NRC IRAP Contributions to Organizations (CtO) program for SMEs, and managing industry events on campus. The Business Development Manager will actively promote Blusson QMI’s nanofabrication and research capabilities to industry, secure new contracts (including dual-use defence opportunities), and foster strategic collaborations that support Blusson QMI’s mission and financial sustainability. The role will support Blusson QMI’s strategic shift toward a sustainable industry-service model by growing commercial partnerships and positioning Blusson QMI as a preferred partner for quantum, photonics, semiconductor, advanced-materials, and dual-use defence and security companies.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of six years related experience in an appropriate business specialization, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Business, Engineering, Applied Science, Physics or a closely related discipline.
• A graduate degree is strongly preferred.
• Direct experience in business development, sales, or industry partnership development.
• A proven track record in technology business development and revenue generation, preferably in research services, deep-tech, or advanced technology sectors.
• A demonstrated history of securing commercial contracts and generating revenue.
• Strong network and/or ability to rapidly build relationships within technology industries (quantum, photonics, semiconductors, advanced materials preferred).
• Experience preparing proposals, responding to RFQs, negotiating contracts, NDAs, and statements of work.
• Demonstrated ability to manage contract lifecycles, invoicing, and payment tracking in a professional services or research environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with C-level executives, VPs, and technical decision-makers.
• Proven ability to work independently while collaborating across technical, academic, and administrative teams.
• Familiarity with university research environments, core facilities, or industry-academia collaboration models.
• Understanding of the Canadian innovation and quantum technology landscape, including relevant government funding programs and grant mechanisms (including NRC IRAP).
• Established network in the Canadian or international quantum, photonics, or semiconductor ecosystems or in dual-use defence and security sectors.
• Previous experience in a core research facility, innovation hub, or technology transfer office focused on commercializing or selling research infrastructure services.
• Experience with CRM systems, contract management tools, and data-driven business development and financial tracking processes.
• Track record of successful participation in ecosystem-building activities, workshops, or industry-academia consortia, including the planning and delivery of on-campus industry or networking events.
• Knowledge of fee-for-service models in research infrastructure or foundry services.
• Experience identifying, matching, and managing grant funding opportunities (including NRC IRAP CtO and defence innovation programs) with research projects and SMEs in a university setting.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes comprehensive business development strategies aimed at significantly increasing revenue and utilization of Blusson QMI’s nanofabrication and research services through proactive outreach to potential industrial clients in quantum technologies, photonics, semiconductors, advanced materials, defence and security, and related sectors.
• Acts as the primary point of accountability for industry engagement and client acquisition, including lead generation, relationship management, contract negotiation, and ongoing account management to drive repeat business and long-term partnerships.
• Identifies, qualifies, and secures new fee-for-service contracts and commercial partnerships with external clients (SMEs, startups, multinationals, and defence-related organizations), including preparation of proposals, responses to RFQs, negotiation of NDAs, statements of work, and service agreements.
• Manages the full lifecycle of all fee-for-service contracts, including creation, tracking, renewal, compliance monitoring, and timely amendments to ensure continuous revenue flow and strong client relationships.
• Oversees invoicing, mailing, payment tracking, and reconciliation processes, working closely with Blusson QMI finance and administrative teams to maintain accurate records, resolve discrepancies, and support timely revenue collection.
• Proactively identifies relevant grant opportunities (federal, provincial, industry-sponsored, and defence innovation programs such as IDEaS) and matches them with appropriate Blusson QMI Principal Investigators (PIs) and research projects, supporting the development of strong funding applications that advance both commercial and academic goals.
• Manages Blusson QMI’s participation in the NRC IRAP Contributions to Organizations (CtO) program for SMEs, including client intake, project scoping, funding application support, contract administration, and delivery of nanofabrication and research services to eligible small- and medium-sized enterprises.
• Identifies and develops strategic dual-use defence and national security-related opportunities with government agencies, defence contractors, and industry partners, in full alignment with university policies and export-control requirements, to expand Blusson QMI’s service portfolio and revenue streams.
• Builds and maintains a strong pipeline of commercial opportunities by networking with industry, attending conferences, and engaging with key stakeholders at all levels (C-level, VPs, and technical leads).
• Serves as the senior industry-facing representative for Blusson QMI’s nanofabrication and research services, presenting clear value propositions and business cases to external stakeholders.
• Actively builds and strengthens the broader quantum ecosystem in Vancouver/BC/Canada by developing relationships with partners such as Quantum Industry Canada, NRC-IRAP, MITACS, DRDC, IDEaS, and other national and provincial quantum, defence, and innovation initiatives, innovation hubs, and industry associations.
• Plans, organizes, and manages high-value industry events, workshops, seminars, networking sessions, and on-campus site visits to promote Blusson QMI’s nanofabrication and research services, attract new clients, generate business leads, and foster strategic relationships within the quantum ecosystem.
• Designs and implements marketing and promotional strategies (including digital content, presentations, trade show participation, and targeted campaigns) to raise awareness of Blusson QMI’s nanofabrication and research capabilities and attract new clients.
• Works closely with Blusson QMI’s Manager, Communications & Partnerships to ensure alignment on communications, marketing, event promotion, and broader partnership initiatives that amplify business development outcomes.
• Tracks key performance metrics and prepares and delivers regular financial and operational reports (on a quarterly basis, semi-annually, or as needed) covering revenue growth, service utilization, client pipeline, contract status, payment timelines, grant alignment outcomes, NRC IRAP CtO program delivery, and event impact.
• Works with Blusson QMI leadership to set and achieve ambitious commercial growth targets.

Benefits

• The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together?

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level