0415-25 - SPARK The Midlands - East Midlands Director

SPARK The Midlands - East Midlands Director Aston Ventures

Location: Nottingham, Leicestershire, or Loughborough University Campuses - Flexible based on candidate needs.

Salary: £66,537 per annum

Grade: Grade 10

Contract Type: Fixed Term (30/04/2028)

Basis: Full Time

Closing Date: 23:59 hours BST on Monday 21 July 2025

Interview Date: Friday 01 August 2025

Reference: 0415-25

Release Date: Monday 30 June 2025

Aston University is expanding the UK branch of the global SPARK Preclinical Innovation Accelerator into the East Midlands. We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking individual to lead this transformative initiative.

The East Midlands Director - SPARK UK will be responsible for establishing and overseeing the development and delivery of the new East Midlands branch of the SPARK Innovation Accelerator, a key part of the wider SPARK Global network.

You will be responsible for growing the East Midlands programme, building a strong cohort of translational research projects, managing stakeholder relationships across academia, healthcare, and industry, and ensuring the delivery of the programme's ambitious objectives for innovation and impact.

The Director will report to the SPARK UK Director and collaborate with the broader SPARK Europe leadership team and the global SPARK network. A key focus will be ensuring the long-term sustainability of the East Midlands branch beyond the initial three-year funding period.

The position is based at Aston University but will primarily be located in the East Midlands to engage closely with regional partners and stakeholders.

What we offer:

• A vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre with excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days' leave plus 13 days of bank holidays and university closure days.
• Discounts on activities and retailers.
• Family-friendly policies.
• On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership.
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all community sections. We promote equality and diversity in all aspects of our work and have robust inclusivity strategies, including race and sexual orientation, to support colleagues in being themselves at work. For more information, visit:

We support flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss available flexible working options.

If you need the job details document or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the recruitment team at .