Forging Ahead Project Administrator

Full time, fixed term until 1 May 2028 
Hybrid working

Are you an organised and proactive Administrator looking to support an ambitious multi-university project?

Loughborough University’s Research and Innovation Office is seeking a detail-oriented Project Administrator to join the Forging Ahead project team.

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

Based at Loughborough University and working closely with colleagues from the University’s Research Innovation Office, the post-holder will provide administrative support to ensure the smooth running and effective implementation of the Project. The Project Administrator will provide support to a dedicated team working to realise the aims and ambitions of this important initiative, and with the opportunity to connect with University Partners across the region.

In this role, you will

• Provide day-to-day administrative support for the project team
• Coordinate and minute meetings with internal and external stakeholders
• Support event planning and communication with partner universities
• Assist with financial administration, including processing invoices and booking travel
• Help maintain project documentation, contact lists, and reporting records

What we’re looking for

• Strong administrative skills with great attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise workload
• Confident using Microsoft Office and managing email and calendars
• Willingness to travel
• Experience in research, academic, or complex administrative environment (desirable)

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a high-profile project making real impact across the Midlands. Occasional travel will be required to attend project events across the region.

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

 *Please note, this role is not eligible for sponsorship