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- Tasks: Lead partnership development and knowledge exchange to drive growth and innovation.
- Company: Loughborough University, a leader in research and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pay, hybrid working, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping strategic partnerships and enhancing competitiveness.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in developing high-value partnerships and market engagement strategies.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 59966 - 67468 £ per year.
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.
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 us.
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 is 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.
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 - Loughborough employer: Loughborough University
Contact Detail:
Loughborough University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Partnership Development and Knowledge Exchange - 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 collaborators. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can highlight your achievements and past projects. This is your chance to demonstrate how you’ve successfully developed partnerships and driven innovation in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their goals, challenges, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in partnership development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Partnership Development and Knowledge Exchange - Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the Head of Partnership Development and Knowledge Exchange position.
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 be clear and specific about your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a leader, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage teams. Share examples of how you've successfully led projects or initiatives that resulted in impactful partnerships.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our online portal. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Know Your Partnerships
Before the interview, dive deep into the partnerships that Loughborough University has established. Understand their goals and how they align with the role of Head of Partnership Development. This will help you articulate how your experience can enhance these collaborations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership abilities, especially in developing high-value partnerships. Think about times when you've inspired teams or turned strategic visions into reality. Be ready to discuss how you can lead others to achieve impactful outcomes.
✨Understand Market Engagement Strategies
Brush up on market-led engagement strategies relevant to research and innovation. Be prepared to discuss how you would leverage these strategies to create commercially viable collaborations. This shows you’re not just a fit for the role but also forward-thinking.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Loughborough University's values and mission. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, particularly in fostering collaboration and enhancing competitiveness. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.
