SME Research & Development (R&D) Manager

The opportunity

Join UAL's Fashion, Textiles & Technology Institute (FTTI) at our East Bank campus as an SME Research & Development (R&D) Manager. You will lead and deliver collaborative research projects with small and medium-sized enterprises, including international initiatives like New Landscapes India.

You'll work closely with academic and industry partners to scope funding opportunities, manage project delivery, and support strategic industry engagement.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about cross-disciplinary collaboration, innovation, and driving impact through research and development.

About you

• You will bring experience in leading the scoping and development of SME R&D/ knowledge exchange (KE) / contract research / consultancy funding opportunities within a Higher Education setting.

• You will have led the post-award, day-to-day management and delivery of SME R&D projects.

• You will be able to identify and oversee SME opportunities and events to support partner engagement, funding pipelines, and the showcasing of R&D/KE objectives.

• You will have experience supporting and building R&D networks in pursuit of follow-on funding opportunities and business development activities.

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

For further details and to apply please click the apply button.

Closing date: 1 December 2025, 23:55.

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Our culture

UAL is committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn - a university where we can be ourselves and reach our full potential. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and Staff Support Networks. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.