Head of Strategic Partnerships and Funding

About the Role

Building the partnerships and funding that turn world-leading marine science into real-world Ocean Action.

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is one of the world’s leading centres for marine science – independent, internationally respected and trusted by governments, industry and NGOs to answer the questions that matter most for the health of our seas.

As PML’s first Head of Strategic Partnerships and Funding, you’ll lead the delivery of PML’s strategy to broaden and grow income streams. Working closely with senior scientific leaders, you’ll build strategic relationships and secure investment from commercial, industrial, governmental and philanthropic partners, creating sustainable funding that accelerates PML’s scientific mission.

Why This Role Matters

• A world-class proposition – PML’s science speaks for itself – you’re opening doors, not making a hard pitch.
• Breadth beyond philanthropy – this role is explicitly about diversifying income into commercial partnerships, industry collaboration and non-traditional government funding.
• Influence at the top table – you’ll work directly with senior scientists and executive leadership to support research through funded partnerships.

What You’ll Do

• Deliver PML’s income diversification objectives through proactive, relationship-led engagement with commercial, governmental and strategic partners.
• Set up the internal structures and processes required to identify, access, draw down and deliver research funding from non-traditional public funding sources.
• Develop and lead a strategic pipeline of funding and partnership opportunities aligned to PML’s scientific priorities.
• Lead proactive, relationship-led approaches to new, non-philanthropic income for research projects and programmes with commercial partners, joint industry research collaboration, and governmental sources beyond competitive bids.
• Act as a senior ambassador, representing PML at sector events, forums and conferences, raising PML’s profile and building your own professional network.
• Broker lasting relationships between funders, partners and PML’s scientists.
• Work with PML’s Marketing and Communications and science teams to translate complex research into compelling, commercially attractive and fundable opportunities.

What You’ll Bring

• A track record of securing significant research income or partnerships through proactive relationship-building – ideally including commercial or non-philanthropic income.
• Confidence engaging senior stakeholders, funders and industry leaders as a credible, visible ambassador. Willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required.
• Experience developing high-value strategic partnerships and income streams in research, science, innovation, technology, environment, defence, infrastructure or related sectors.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to turn complex, technical material into a compelling case for support.
• Genuine passion and commitment to the mission of ‘Science for Ocean Action’.
• Experience in the marine, climate, environmental, science or other related sector.

This role could suit an experienced Manager or Head of Partnerships, Business Development or Income Generation working in research business development, commercial partnerships, strategic partnerships or income generation.

What Success Looks Like

• Establishing a robust pipeline of strategic funding and partnership opportunities.
• Securing significant new income streams beyond traditional research grants.
• Building lasting relationships with commercial, governmental and philanthropic partners.
• Embedding partnership and funding processes that support long-term growth.

Why PML

• This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a new strategic function, creating lasting impact in a world-leading marine research organisation.
• You’ll be joining an internationally respected, independent scientific institute dedicated to global impact through the mission of ‘Science for Ocean Action’.
• You’ll be collaborating with world-class science and research, opening doors for strategic funding, commercial contracts and industry collaboration.
• You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with senior leadership and leading scientists to translate complex ocean research into high-impact and fundable partnerships.
• Enjoy life in Britain’s Ocean City – Plymouth offers career opportunity, coastal living, culture and outdoor adventure, with easy access to Devon, Cornwall and Dartmoor.
• Generous leave entitlement of 41 days per annum – 30 holiday days, 8 bank holidays and 3 privilege (closure) days.
• Excellent pension provision, with up to 10% matched employer contributions.
• Flexible hybrid working, with up to 50% home working.

How to Apply

Plymouth Marine Laboratory is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Please send your CV and a covering letter to careers@pml.ac.uk by 12 noon on 15th September 2026, explaining what attracts you to PML’s mission and this role. Please confirm your notice period and current remuneration package within your covering letter.

PML welcomes informal conversations about this opportunity. Candidates who would like to find out more, discuss this opportunity further or require any support or adjustments during the recruitment process are encouraged to get in touch.

More information: https://pml.ac.uk/working-with-us/vacancy-head-of-strategic-partnerships-and-funding/