Head of Knowledge Exchange and Partnerships

Right to work: Please note that it will not be possible for the University to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the successful candidate for this position. Therefore, the appointable candidate will need to be eligible to work in the UK or have leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with the University, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

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:

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

The university has adopted hybrid working for some roles therefore some remote working may be possible for this role.

Royal Holloway is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and encourages applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parental status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or trans status or history. More information on our structures and initiatives around EDI, including information on staff diversity networks, can be found on our Equality and Diversity Intranet page.