Business Development Manager (1 FTE/Open-ended)

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Glasgow Caledonian – the largest and leading modern university in Scotland - is a vibrant, values-led university with campuses in the heart of Glasgow and London. With a strong commitment to high quality education and research which supports the communities we serve, we have strong partnerships with employers to ensure our students get the careers they dream of and deserve.

Named UK Modern University of the Year for Graduate Jobs in the latest Daily Mail University Guide, and the top-ranked UK modern university in the Times and Sunday Times Guide 2026, we are a UK top 40 university according to these highly regarded guides. We are the only Scottish university with EcoCampus Platinum accreditation and were ranked first in Scotland for sustainability in the most recent People and Planet league table (2024).

Guided by our values – integrity, responsibility, creativity and confidence - we transform the lives of the people and communities we serve.

The Conference and Events Department sits within the Directorate of Advancement and Communications. The small team is responsible for delivering the University’s corporate events calendar, which comprises approximately 60 events per year. In addition, the department manages all external hires of university facilities for conference and event use (with the exception of the sports hall). Events range from training workshops, filming location hire and small meetings to large-scale academic conferences, exhibitions and formal dinners for up to 500 delegates.

The primary purpose of the Business Development Manager role is to drive and achieve sales targets generated through event hire income. The postholder will lead the promotion and development of the Conference and Events function to support departmental and University income growth.

Key responsibilities include delivering income-generation targets, identifying and implementing new commercial opportunities, developing strategic plans, and liaising with internal and external clients and partners to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Conference & Events function.

The postholder will actively network to secure new commercial business and support the team in growing existing business. They will also lead on marketing activity to increase visibility, strengthen market position and drive business growth.

In addition, the Business Development Manager will supervise the Conference and Events team and act as departmental lead during the absence of the Head of Conference & Events. During peak periods, the postholder may also be required to manage events operationally.

We are seeking a self‑motivated team player with the ability to plan their own workload while providing guidance to others. Strong time‑management, communication, interpersonal and networking skills are essential.

The ideal candidate will be target‑driven and comfortable working towards challenging financial goals. They should have considerable experience in the conference and events sector. Experience working in an environment where event income is not the core business would be beneficial. Experience within a higher education setting is desirable but not essential.

The role involves producing event proposals and conducting show rounds, so experience with event sales proposals, particularly for international conferences, would be an advantage. The successful candidate must be willing to travel and work flexible hours when required to meet the demands of the business.

Should you require further information on the Business Development role please contact Julie Duncan, Head of Conference and Events on 07824548721 julie.duncan@gcu.ac.uk

As the University for the Common Good, we are committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as our values in everything that we do.  As such, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who demonstrate the GCU Values.

Glasgow Caledonian University is committed to a fair and transparent recruitment process that is free from bias so that we can attract and retain a high performing workforce which makes a critical contribution to our success​.

The University holds the prestigious Athena Swan Silver institution award, which recognises our significant record of activity and achievement in promoting gender equality across different disciplines.

The University holds the Race Equality Charter Bronze award, in recognition of our work to combat racism and support race equality.

As a Disability Confident 'Committed' employer, we are striving to ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to disabled people. Although the Disability Confident 'Committed' level does not guarantee an interview for disabled applicants, we will make reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants during the recruitment process.

The University also holds the ‘Carer Positive Established’ employer award, which recognises our commitment to supporting staff with caring responsibilities.

Glasgow Caledonian University are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant. 

The University offers a range of benefits including opportunities for professional development, family friendly policies, cycle to work scheme and onsite childcare facilities.

Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception).