The University is dedicated to supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment - to create better futures, together. The diverse backgrounds, characteristics and opinions within our community are our great strength and are key to our pursuit of delivering educational excellence, enterprise, research and professional services. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and minoritized groups as they are currently under-represented within our community.
We recognise the value of a fulfilling and balanced work and personal life which promotes wellbeing. We seek to support colleagues in achieving this balance and have family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and many roles can be suitable for dynamic working arrangement. This includes considering applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.
We are proud to be a Real Living Wage Employer—so much so that we go beyond the standard, providing additional supplementary payments at specific pay points to further support our employees' financial wellbeing. Further information about the Loughborough Real Living Wage Supplement can be found on our HR webpage.
Loughborough University is a UKVI Sponsor. Some individuals may require sponsorship to enable them to apply for a visa to provide them with the right to work in the UK. Please note certain roles are not eligible for sponsorship. For further information and eligibility please visit the UKVI website.
Research and Innovation Office
Full time, Open-ended, Hybrid
About Research and Innovation Office at Loughborough University
The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) plays a leading role in shaping and delivering the University’s research and innovation activities and provides a high quality, added value and seamless service to researchers across the research development pipeline.
The Office incorporates a number of different teams that provide support for nurturing partnerships and collaborations; identifying and applying for funding; managing research projects and assuring compliance with policy; improving the visibility of research outputs; fostering the impact, intellectual property and commercialisation of research; and the nurturing of research leadership skills through training and skills development programmes.
The RIO also works closely with other Professional Services across the University, notably Legal Services, Registry, Student Services, Finance and HR.
About the Head of Partnership Development and Knowledge Exchange role
We’re looking for an accomplished leader with a proven track record in developing high-value partnerships that accelerate growth and diversify sustainable income streams.
You will have demonstrated ability to shape market-led engagement strategies, leverage research and innovation for commercial impact, and deliver measurable financial and reputational returns. Skilled in building strong relationships, you’ll work collaboratively with academic and professional colleagues to create commercially viable collaborations that meet partner needs and enhance competitiveness. Leading others to achieve these objectives and contributing actively to the Senior Management Team, you will turn strategic vision into impactful partnerships.
If you can inspire teams and make a lasting difference, this is your opportunity to do so.
For more information, refer to the full Job Description and Person Specification.
If you have any questions about this role, please contact rio.hr@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk
Apply Now
Please submit your application through our online portal.
Applications will be assessed against the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the Job Description and Person Specification. Applicants are strongly advised to explicitly state and evidence how they meet each of the criteria in their application.
The closing date for receipt of applications midnight on 13 February 2026.
The selection process will include an initial longlist call week commencing 23 February and a final in-person interview scheduled for week commencing 2 March 2026.