Head of Partnership Development and Knowledge Exchange

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.

Our Benefits

At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:

Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.

Where you work – access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Financial wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.

Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.

Health and wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.

Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.