Staff - Non Union
M&P - AAPS
AAPS Salaried - Business Development, Level C
Business Development Manager
Technical Operations | Quantum Matter Institute | Faculty of Science
$7,622.83 - $11,886.67 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
June 7, 2026
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
March 31, 2028
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
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.
Organizational Status
The Business Development Manager reports to Blusson QMI’s Facilities Director. The post holder will work independently and proactively, engaging extensively with external industry partners while collaborating closely with Blusson QMI’s Manager, Communications & Partnerships, ANF staff, researchers, and Blusson QMI leadership.
Work Performed
The Business Development Manager will lead all industry engagement and commercial growth activities for Blusson QMI’s nanofabrication and research services. This role focuses on revenue generation, client acquisition, ecosystem development, contract lifecycle management, financial tracking, grant alignment, NRC IRAP CtO program delivery, on-campus event management, and close coordination with communications and partnership activities for the Institute’s services.
The following items reflect the core responsibilities of the role:
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.
What Success Looks Like:
Success in this role will be measured by significant growth in Blusson QMI nanofabrication and research service revenue, increased service utilization through commercial projects, and a strong pipeline of repeat and new clients. Additional measures include high client satisfaction, effective full-cycle contract and payment management with minimal delays, successful grant matching and NRC IRAP CtO program delivery that result in new funded SME projects, the successful organization of impactful on-campus industry events and networking activities that generate new client leads and partnerships, strong collaboration with the Manager, Communications & Partnerships that results in cohesive and effective marketing and ecosystem-building efforts, timely and accurate financial reporting to leadership, success in identifying and advancing dual-use defence and national security opportunities, and tangible contributions to building a vibrant quantum ecosystem in British Columbia and Canada through new partnerships and collaborative activities.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving revenue growth and expanding commercial utilization of Blusson QMI’s nanofabrication and research services. The position is responsible for recommendations and decisions that may result in loss of significant human and financial resources invested in unfruitful pursuits and/or missed opportunities. There is a consistent need to exercise judgement and tact in dealing with all internal and external contacts. This is a key position in representing Blusson QMI to external groups. Incorrect decisions and / or judgement will directly affect Blusson QMI and UBC’s reputation, credibility and professionalism with the national and international business community and other key stakeholders.
Supervision Received
Works independently, under general guidance from the Blusson QMI Facilities Director.
Supervision Given
None.
Minimum Qualifications
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
Preferred Qualifications
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).
Highly Desirable Qualifications:
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.
