Business Development Lead, Virtual and Immersive Production - KTP Associate

Aston Business School

This Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project will develop, trial and implement a novel companion business model, which integrates MBD's current grants-based business model with a commercial model that enables MBD to exploit commercial opportunities in Virtual and immersive Production.

MBD is a not-for-profit organisation specialising in immersive digital storytelling experiences in the arts/culture/heritage sector. The majority of work is funded through public grants or grant recipients, leading to an over-reliance on restricted income. MBD recognises it needs to diversify its income and exploit its resources more effectively, to support its long-term financial stability and growth.

Having recently invested in a high-end professional Virtual Production (VP) studio and with unique expertise in VP technologies and delivery, MBD has identified the opportunity to address the under-utilisation of its equipment, skills and staff by developing commercial service offerings to meet the rising demand for VP across multiple industries. The synergy between the commercial and grants-based business models is key to ensure MBD can successfully operate multiple business models, whilst retaining its core values and brand reputation.

This KTP aligns with MBD’s strategic aim to diversify revenue outside of traditional areas and the legacy capabilities will enable MBD to continue to innovate and respond with agility to new market/technology opportunities, to remain relevant, competitive and sustainable. 

This KTP is a great opportunity for someone who wishes to plan and deliver business change. You will work with senior University academics on a commercial project which puts theory and modelling into practice. 

Candidate Profile: The candidate for this position should possess a Bachelor’s degree in a Business related discipline and have industry experience in marketing, operations, or innovation. Ideally, the candidate should also have a master’s or equivalent degree in a relevant field. The candidate should have a good understanding of the creative/cultural sector and a keen interest in creative uses for technology.

Skills/ experience required include:

• Experience of designing/innovating commercial business models to identify and acquire new customer groups
• Experience of B2B sales and marketing
• Experience of digital marketing
• Ability to manage strategic change in a complex and dynamic business environment
• Ability to engage and manage stakeholders to cultivate relationships key to business growth and success
• Ability to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the development of new business opportunities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills when working with key clients, internal teams and other stakeholders
• Experience within and knowledge about the not-for-profit sector is desirable

Main responsibilities: 

• Innovate commercial business model to identify potential customer segments in virtual and immersive production market. 
• Develop compelling value propositions to target the customer segments and design new services to capture value.
• Develop and introduce a robust marketing strategy including research/planning, analytics, marketing channels and communications.
• Develop leads and client relationships to deliver mini projects and generate income during the project timeline.
• Implement the business model and marketing strategy to drive discussions and collaboration with potential clients, ensuring successful advancement towards commercialisation.
• Establish a symbiotic relationship between commercial and grant-based models to integrate economic and social value.
• Foster an entrepreneurial mindset and the optimal organisational structure/culture to support ongoing growth.

Personal attributes:

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills. The ability to work within a cross-disciplinary project team.
• Leadership and maturity of communication and organisation skills to deliver the KTP project and ensure it achieves agreed milestones and objectives. 
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Strong desire to pursue innovative approaches and pathways.
• Ability to work closely with all stakeholders and establish an effective knowledge transfer process in the company.

Additional Benefits and support:

• Up to £3,333 for personal and professional development for the duration of the project
• Annual leave (25 days p/a)
• Professional support and mentorship
• Mental Health and wellbeing support: https://www.aston.ac.uk/staff-public/hr/Benefits-and-Rewards/health-wellbeing 

Career prospects: 

60% of our KTP associates are being offered employment by the companies at the end of the KTP.

KTP’s are a proven springboard for Associates who wish to develop careers in consultancy, change management, operations or as University academics in PhD programmes. 

The project team will be happy to support the associate in their higher learning aspirations after successful completion of the project, including obtaining a higher degree, where relevant.

This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Metro-Boulot-Dodo Limited and Innovate UK. 

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are collaborative, three-way partnerships creating positive impact and driving innovation by linking various businesses with the UK's world class knowledge bases to deliver innovation projects led by skilled graduates. 

It is essential you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you secure this position. To learn more please visit: www.aston.ac.uk/ktp

The Company: MBD is a not-for-profit organisation specialising in immersive digital storytelling experiences in the arts/culture/heritage sector. The majority of work is funded through public grants or grant recipients, leading to an over-reliance on restricted income. MBD recognises it needs to diversify its income and exploit its resources more effectively, to support its long-term financial stability and growth.

https://www.mbd.limited/ 

Aston University: You will work in a project team with Dr Yang Zhao, Dr David Carrington and Professor Stefan Manz from Aston University and the Senior Management Team at MBD with the support of the IUK’s Knowledge Transfer Adviser.  

Location: You will be based predominantly at MBD in Leicester. You will also have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham. Some travel to key clients may also be required. 

For informal enquiries about this role please contact Dr Yang Zhao, e-mail: y.zhao16@aston.ac.uk 

If you think this isn’t the right opportunity for you, please explore other KTP vacancies across the country: https://www.ktp-uk.org/jobs/ 

A satisfactory DBS clearance is required.

Further details:
Job Details
University Information

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working.  Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk