SME Research & Development Manager

The opportunity

Join UAL’s Fashion, Textiles & Technology Institute (FTTI) at our East Bank campus. We’re seeking an SME R&D Manager to 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.

Your profile

You will bring experience of leading scoping and development of SME R&D/KE / contract research/consultancy funding opportunities within Higher Education setting.

You will have led 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 showcasing the R&D/KE objectives.

You will have experience of supporting and building an R&D network 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.

As a University we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

Start your application

Candidates are advised to submit applications early.