Forging Ahead Project Manager

About the Project
Forging Ahead is an initiative to transform innovation and entrepreneurship across the Midlands. A coalition of 15 Midlands university partners has launched a bold new project that will revolutionise how research and innovation are translated into real-world impact across the region.

Forging Ahead – led by Loughborough University and Midlands Innovation – will radically enhance the commercialisation ecosystem, supercharging entrepreneurial activity, scaling innovation, and creating dynamic new pathways for academic ideas to become high-growth ventures.

This collaborative programme aims to reshape how knowledge exchange, business creation, and investment attraction are delivered across the Midlands, unlocking the region’s research and innovation strengths and turning them into commercial success stories. By strengthening networks, building capacity, and supporting diverse talent, the initiative will drive inclusive economic growth and ensure that innovation benefits communities across the region.

Forging Ahead will first focus on launching and expanding initiatives to nurture entrepreneurial talent, grow investment readiness, and embed a culture of innovation within and beyond universities. It will scale proven models and pilot new approaches that make commercialisation more accessible, inclusive, and impactful.

The initiative is backed by multi-million-pound funding from Research England’s Connecting Capability Fund, with additional matched support from partner universities and regional stakeholders.

For more information about the project see here.

Informal enquiries should be sent to rio.hr@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk.

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager with a strong track record of leading substantial, multi-stakeholder projects to oversee the coordination, governance, and delivery of the high-profile Forging Ahead Project. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of innovation across the Midlands.

Based at Loughborough University and working in close collaboration with the Research and Innovation Office, the post-holder will lead the delivery of this region-wide initiative. They will apply their expertise in project and stakeholder management to implement and monitor the project effectively, working alongside the 15 partner universities and leading a dedicated team to achieve the project’s ambitious goals.

The Forging Ahead Project Manager will report to the Director of the Research and Innovation Office at Loughborough University and will line manage the Central Service Team, ensuring effective delivery of operational and strategic priorities.

The role will be based primarily at Loughborough’s East Midlands Campus, with regular travel to partner locations across the region; therefore, a willingness to travel is essential.

For the full Job Description and Person Specification please see here.

The position is full-time, fixed-term until 1^st of May 2028 and hybrid.

Apply now.

To play a pivotal role in delivering an ambitious and collaborative regional initiative, please submit your application and CV through our online portal. For application tips and guidance, please visit our website.

The closing date for receipt of applications is: 30th of June 2025.
Interviews will be held on: 11th July 2025 (TBC).

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