Business Development Manager- Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering

About the Role

Be part of something amazing

At NPL, we’re proud to be a world class organisation doing exceptional science , where every role contributes to advancing the UK’s prosperity, security and quality of life. Our success comes from attracting people who share our values of curiosity, collaboration and continuous learning.

We are seeking a Business Development Manager to join our Advanced Manufacturing & Materials team. This role is well suited to someone who is building their career in engineering, science or technical commercial roles , and is looking for an environment that supports professional growth and offers a chance to make meaningful national impact.

Every day will bring variety and the chance to work with innovative engineering and manufacturing organisations . You’ll help them understand how NPL’s scientific capabilities can unlock new technologies , improve performance, de risk investment and accelerate innovation.

You will:

• • Build trusted relationships across industry, academia and government , ensuring stakeholders feel valued and supported.
  • Develop a deep understanding of NPL’s scientific and engineering capabilities to identify impactful opportunities.
  • Work with researchers to shape collaborative projects, commercial engagements and innovation led programmes.
  • Represent NPL at industry events, technical meetings and customer sites.
  • Contribute to a culture that values collaboration, respect and professional development .

Expected Outcomes

In this role, you will be expected to:

• • Create and secure opportunities that enable NPL to deliver direct impact with industry—ranging from commercial projects to strategic technical partnerships.
  • Develop collaborative R&D consortia that secure competitive grant funding (e.g., Innovate UK, DSIT, defence innovation schemes), ensuring NPL plays a central role in national industrial innovation programmes.
  • Grow NPL’s presence and influence across advanced manufacturing, engineering and digital/Industry 4.0 sectors.
  • Support the development of new customer offerings, commercial models and capability strategies aligned with national priorities.
  • Ensure that all interactions reflect NPL’s reputation for excellence, scientific integrity and trusted partnership.

About You

Essential

• • A degree (or equivalent experience)in an engineering, science or technology discipline.
  • Experience working in a technical, engineering or manufacturing environment , with exposure to varied tasks and problem solving.
  • Confidence and clarity in communicating with engineers, scientists and decision makers.
  • A strong interest in science, engineering and innovation , with the ability to understand and articulate technical concepts.
  • Ability and willingness to travel within the UK.
  • Eligibility for UK Security Clearance.

Desirable

• Background in Manufacturing Engineering , production engineering, process development or similar technical roles.

• Experience of business development, technical engagement, consulting or innovation driven environments.

• Understanding of the UK industrial landscape in areas such as advanced manufacturing, materials, digital engineering and industrial automation.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

You will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition . Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.