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- Tasks: Lead and coordinate the Forging Ahead Project, driving innovation across the Midlands.
- Company: Join Loughborough University, a hub for educational excellence and diverse community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and competitive pay as a Real Living Wage Employer.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative initiative that shapes the future of entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing large, multi-stakeholder projects is essential.
- Other info: This full-time role offers hybrid working and requires travel across the region.
The predicted salary is between 46735 - 55755 £ per year.
The University is dedicated to supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment – to create better futures, together. The diverse backgrounds, characteristics and opinions within our community are our great strength and are key to our pursuit of delivering educational excellence, enterprise, research and professional services. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and minoritized groups as they are currently under-represented within our community.
We recognise the value of a fulfilling and balanced work and personal life which promotes wellbeing. We seek to support colleagues in achieving this balance and have family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and many roles can be suitable for dynamic working arrangement. This includes considering applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.
We are proud to be a Real Living Wage Employer—so much so that we go beyond the standard, providing additional supplementary payments at specific pay points to further support our employees\’ financial wellbeing. Further information about the Loughborough Real Living Wage Supplement can be found on our HR webpage .
Loughborough University is a UKVI Sponsor. Some individuals may require sponsorship to enable them to apply for a visa to provide them with the right to work in the UK. Please note certain roles are not eligible for sponsorship. For further information and eligibility please visit the UKVI website .
Job details
Job title Forging Ahead Project Manager Job reference REQ250480 Date posted 12/06/2025 Application closing date 30/06/2025 Location Loughborough Package Management and Specialist grade 7 from £46735 to £55755 per annum. Subject to annual pay award. Job description
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 more information refer to the full Job Description and Person Specification.
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 2025Interviews will be held on: 11th July 2025 (TBC)
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Forging Ahead Project Manager employer: Loughborough University
Contact Detail:
Loughborough University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forging Ahead Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Forging Ahead initiative and its goals. Understanding the project's vision will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their mission during networking or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Connect with current or former employees of Loughborough University or the Forging Ahead project on LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to coordinate complex initiatives and work collaboratively with diverse teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the partner universities involved in the Forging Ahead project. Knowing their strengths and how they contribute to the initiative can help you highlight your understanding of the collaborative nature of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Forging Ahead Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements of the Forging Ahead Project Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these specific needs.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your previous project management experience, particularly in multi-stakeholder environments. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your ability to lead substantial projects and manage diverse teams.
Highlight Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Given the university's focus on equity and inclusion, make sure to mention any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that support diverse backgrounds and communities. This will show your alignment with their values.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the Forging Ahead initiative. Discuss how you can contribute to transforming innovation and entrepreneurship across the Midlands.
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Understand the Project's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the Forging Ahead initiative and its goals. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship across the Midlands.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
As a Project Manager, you'll be working with multiple stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed diverse teams and built strong relationships in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Diversity
Given the university's commitment to equity and inclusion, be ready to share your thoughts on fostering a diverse work environment and how you can contribute to this aspect within the project.
✨Prepare for Questions on Flexibility and Adaptability
With the role being hybrid and requiring travel, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to adapt to different working environments and manage your time effectively across various locations.