Head of Knowledge Exchange and Partnerships


Company:	Royal Holloway University of London
Salary:	from £60,815 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Surrey, TW20 0EX
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 2 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	4 Sept 2026
Closing date:	28 Sept 2026

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Summary

Full-Time, Permanent.

We are seeking an ambitious and experienced leader to join our Research and Innovation Directorate as Head of Knowledge Exchange and Partnerships.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering the University's research and knowledge exchange ambitions, helping to ensure that our world-leading research translates into meaningful economic, social, cultural and environmental impact.

Reporting to the Director of Research and Innovation, you will provide strategic leadership for the University's knowledge exchange, innovation and partnership activities. You will lead the development and delivery of institutional approaches to commercialisation, intellectual property, innovation funding and partnership development, while ensuring that the University continues to build a strong culture of responsible collaboration.

A significant element of the role will be providing institutional leadership for research security and trusted research. Working with colleagues across academic and professional services teams, you will oversee frameworks, policies and due diligence processes that support secure and compliant research collaborations and commercial activities.

You will also lead and develop the Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Team, providing inspiring leadership and building on its proactive, innovative and collegiate culture.

About you

You will be a highly credible strategic leader with substantial experience of working at the interface between research, innovation and external engagement. You will bring a successful track record of developing partnerships that deliver impact and generate income, alongside significant experience of knowledge exchange, research commercialisation and innovation management.

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

Extensive knowledge of the UK research and innovation landscape.

A successful record of building and negotiating strategic partnerships with industry, government, third-sector or international organisations.

Significant experience of knowledge exchange, innovation and impact development.

Expertise in intellectual property, technology transfer and commercialisation.

Strong leadership, influencing and stakeholder management skills.

Knowledge of research security, trusted research, due diligence and related compliance requirements.

The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, capable of working effectively alongside senior leaders, academic colleagues, external stakeholders.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sue Starbuck, Director of Research and Innovation sue.starbuck@rhul.ac.uk

In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:

Generous annual leave entitlement

Training and Development opportunities

Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution

Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing.

Free parking

The post is based in Egham, Surrey where the University is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London.

For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: recruitment@rhul.ac.uk

Please quote the reference: 0926-307

Closing Date: 23:59, 28 September 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

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