Professor and Director of the Institute for Sport Business

Package: Salary is highly competitive, at a starting salary to be confirmed on offer of appointment

Job description  

About Us  

The Institute for Sport Business at Loughborough University London is looking to recruit a Director with a passion and vision for managing a thriving Institute. We are committed to redefining the sport business landscape through world-class research and innovation that has real-world impact in an era of significant economic, social, and technological change. Our research strategy is built on three interlocking pillars that shape the future of sport as an industry, a social institution and an innovation platform across multiple sport business domains. The Institute has specific interests spanning fan engagement and experience, digital technologies and analytics, women’s sport, sporting integrity, geopolitics and sustainability in sport. 

The Institute for Sport Business also combines an internationally recognised team of academics with research expertise and teaching excellence in the business of sport. Our Sport Business master's degrees incorporate teaching from a broad range of experts in the sport business industry, to empower students with the knowledge and abilities needed to operate across the commercial, not-for-profit and public sport business sectors. 

Loughborough University is ranked Number 1 in the world for sport related subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017-2025) and our research and teaching is done in collaboration with an extensive network of the prominent sport industry leaders and sector leading organisations. 

The role and what we’re looking for:  

As the successful candidate, you will be part of strengthening and growing an Institute with an established identity and ambitious plans to continue impactful research pursuits, alongside providing high quality student experiences informed by industry collaborations. You will have a track record of research expertise, attracting partnerships and grant funding. You will also have good people skills, take a caring approach to managing staff, and be enthusiastic about providing an excellent student experience. 

You will have an internationally recognised profile and esteem within sport business communities and have a demonstrable and ongoing record of excellence which has contributed to the furtherance of knowledge in a relevant discipline. As the successful candidate, you will have a successful track record of impactful research, attracting funding, innovation and supervision. You will also demonstrate evidence of significant academic leadership and the ability to manage a team, underpinned by a caring and collegiate culture.

Please refer to the job description and person specification for further details about the nature of the role and to view the full essential criteria before applying.

Why should you apply?  

This is a fantastic opportunity to join us at Loughborough University London. The Institute for Sport Business provides a unique opportunity to lead a team of internationally recognised faculty of academics with research and teaching expertise in the business of sport. We offer postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities in collaboration with partners from an array of sports organisations in London and internationally. As well as Loughborough being a great place to work, we also offer a generous employment package including: 

• Generous annual leave allowance up to 44 days for full-time staff (inclusive of Bank Holidays & University closure days), with the option to purchase more
• Commitment to enabling employees to work dynamically with a combination of working on campus and remotely (where possible)  
• Financial relocation support for those relocating from outside a 20-mile radius 
• Competitive pension schemes 
• A range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies and childcare support initiatives, including childcare vouchers.
• Dedicated developmental support for the academic community, including bespoke workshops, mentoring and networking support opportunities. 

Applications and Assessment 

Informal enquiries about the role should be made to:

• Professor Aidan McGarry, Dean, Loughborough University London, a.mcgarry@lboro.ac.uk or
• Dr Eddie Mighten, Interim Director, Institute for Sport Business. e.mighten@lboro.ac.uk

Applications for the role will be reviewed against the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description and person specification (linked above). Applicants should clearly state how they meet each of the essential (and desirable) criteria in their application giving examples from their career history. For further support with your application, please refer to our application guidance, which includes some top tips and support to help you when completing your application.

Application closing date: 30 May 2025

Reasonable Adjustments  

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that you may need during the recruitment process. If there are adjustments that you’d like to request please contact Professor Aidan McGarry, Dean, Loughborough University London, a.mcgarry@lboro.ac.uk.