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- Tasks: Lead partnership development and create impactful collaborations for growth and innovation.
- Company: Loughborough University, a leader in research and innovation with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pay, hybrid working, and health perks.
- Why this job: Inspire teams and make a lasting impact through strategic partnerships.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in developing high-value partnerships and market engagement strategies.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 59966 - 67468 £ per year.
Management and Specialist grade 8 from £59966 to £67468 per annum. Subject to annual pay award. Full time, Open-ended, Hybrid.
About the 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 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.
Head of Partnership Development and Knowledge Exchange in Loughborough employer: Association Of Research Managers And Administrators (ARMA) Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Association Of Research Managers And Administrators (ARMA) Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Partnership Development and Knowledge Exchange in Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in your industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners or colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its partnerships thoroughly. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to discuss specific examples of your past successes in partnership development.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got all the details you need to make your application stand out. Make sure to highlight how you meet the criteria in the job description – it’s your chance to shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Partnership Development and Knowledge Exchange in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use the job description as a guide and showcase your relevant skills and achievements that demonstrate your ability to develop high-value partnerships.
Address the Criteria: Don’t forget to explicitly state how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the Job Description. This is your chance to shine, so provide clear examples that back up your claims!
Be Authentic: Let your personality come through in your application. We want to see the real you! Share your passion for partnership development and knowledge exchange, and how you can inspire teams to achieve great results.
Apply Through Our Portal: Remember to submit your application through our online portal. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Association Of Research Managers And Administrators (ARMA) Ltd.
✨Know Your Partnerships
Before the interview, dive deep into the partnerships that the Research and Innovation Office has developed. Understand their impact and think about how you can contribute to enhancing these collaborations. Being able to discuss specific examples will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Partnership Development, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in developing high-value partnerships. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve strategic goals.
✨Prepare for Market Engagement Strategies
Familiarise yourself with market-led engagement strategies relevant to research and innovation. Be ready to discuss how you would leverage these strategies to create commercially viable collaborations. This shows that you’re not just a thinker but also a doer who can turn ideas into action.
✨Align with Their Vision
Understand Loughborough University's vision and how the Research and Innovation Office fits into it. Be prepared to articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to turning their strategic vision into impactful partnerships. This alignment will resonate well with the interviewers.
