Business Development Lead – The Glasgow School of Art (Skilled Worker Visa May Be Available)
Overview
The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is seeking an experienced Business Development Lead to join its Research & Innovation team at the Highlands & Islands Campus in Forres, Scotland. This permanent leadership role offers the opportunity to drive business growth, strengthen research partnerships, and support innovation and educational programmes.
Eligible international applicants may be considered for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship, subject to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and Home Office eligibility requirements.
Job Details
- Position: Business Development Lead
- Employer: The Glasgow School of Art
- Location: Forres, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Department: Research & Innovation
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Salary: £58,225 – £67,468 per annum
- Grade: Grade 8
- Closing Date: 24 August 2026 (11:59 PM GMT)
About the Role
The Business Development Lead will lead the development of the Glasgow School of Art’s Highlands & Islands Campus as a high-value, future-focused centre for research, innovation, and education.
The successful candidate will integrate the Rural Lab strategy with wider research, knowledge exchange, innovation, and education initiatives to enhance the campus profile, improve financial sustainability, and establish strategic national and international partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead strategic business development initiatives.
- Build and maintain major external partnerships.
- Increase research and innovation funding opportunities.
- Support knowledge exchange across academic and innovation environments.
- Develop long-term growth strategies for the Highlands & Islands Campus.
- Promote international collaboration and partnership development.
- Enhance the campus’ reputation within the research and innovation sector.
Essential Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A PhD or equivalent professional standing in Business Management or a related discipline.
- Proven experience leading major strategic partnerships.
- Extensive business development experience within a higher education environment.
- Strong experience working across research, innovation, and academic sectors.
- Demonstrated success in securing significant external funding.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Salary and Benefits
- Competitive salary of £58,225 – £67,468 per annum
- Permanent full-time position
- 35-hour working week
- Opportunity to work within one of Scotland’s leading creative institutions
- Professional development opportunities
- Collaborative research and innovation environment
Skilled Worker Visa
The Glasgow School of Art states that Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship may be available, subject to UK Home Office and UKVI eligibility requirements. Applicants must also satisfy the legal right-to-work requirements for employment in the UK.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Glasgow School of Art is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Applications are welcomed from candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, maternity, or caring responsibilities.
The institution particularly encourages applications from candidates from Minority Ethnic backgrounds who are currently underrepresented within the university.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications online before the deadline.
Application Deadline: 24 August 2026 (11:59 PM GMT)
Skilled Worker Visa Information:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Recruitment Enquiries:
HRServicedesk@gsa.ac.uk
Conclusion
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced business development professional to play a key role in shaping the future of research, innovation, and strategic partnerships at The Glasgow School of Art while working in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland.