Forging Ahead Network Manager

Full time, fixed term until 1 May 2028
Hybrid working

Are you a natural connector with a passion for innovation, enterprise, and collaboration?

Loughborough University is seeking a proactive and highly organised Network Manager to establish and maintain a high-quality professional network for a large multi-university Forging Ahead Project.

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, IP Commercialisation, spinout 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.

About the Role

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to build the networks of founders, professionals, experts, and investors which will help to power the Midlands-wide Forging Ahead Project. 

Forging Ahead Network Manager will work closely with colleagues from the Research Innovation Office, and they will connect and curate networks spanning the 15 Partner Universities, alongside a dedicated team, to jointly realise the aims and ambitions of this important initiative. 

The post holder will develop and implement strategies to connect startup and spinout teams with relevant innovation partners, funders, and government agencies, ensuring effective collaboration and support. Engage in events and knowledge exchange activities across the Midlands. They will plan and execute regular regional network engagement events, activities, meetings, workshops, and develop high quality virtual learning resources for project participants. They will also manage database information systems, maintain high standards of data compliance.

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. Some evening and flexible working will be required

For more information refer to the full Job Description and Person Specification.

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

Interested?
Apply now and help us forge a better future. For application tips and guidance, please visit our website .

The closing date for receipt of applications is: Sunday, 17th of August
Interviews will be held on: week commencing 8th of September