Head of Research Operations - Research Strategy and Services - 100823 - Grade 9

University of Birmingham
United Kingdom
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeGBP 58,225 - 87,974 annuallyFunction: Strategy & Corporate DevelopmentEducation: bachelorsSkills: ["Leadership","Risk-based thinking","Mentorship","Stakeholder management","Process improvement"]

Lead a CMH research support function within the Research Strategy & Services Division, overseeing pre-award research support, due diligence, grants set-up, and research contracts. Manage a team of around 25 to deliver research development, proposal drafting facilitation, budgeting and compliance, and timely reporting of KPIs. Serve as a contracts signatory, drive innovations in research support processes, and build internal and external partnerships to strengthen trust and service quality.

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FursaFursa
University of Birmingham
University of Birmingham
1 day ago

Head of Research Operations - Research Strategy and Services - 100823 - Grade 9

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Source: Company careers pageValidated by: Fursa AI
Last checked: 11 hours agoStatus: Live
Reposted: similar role first listed 7 months ago

Job Summary

Lead a CMH research support function within the Research Strategy & Services Division, overseeing pre-award research support, due diligence, grants set-up, and research contracts. Manage a team of around 25 to deliver research development, proposal drafting facilitation, budgeting and compliance, and timely reporting of KPIs. Serve as a contracts signatory, drive innovations in research support processes, and build internal and external partnerships to strengthen trust and service quality.
Location: United Kingdom
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time · Permanent
Job Function: Strategy & Corporate Development
Seniority: Sr. Director level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Lead a Research Support Team of around 25 to manage and agree prioritisation across pre-award research support, including research development, facilitation for proposal drafting, budget preparation and costing, compliance, submissions, and due diligence.
  • •Ensure timely monitoring and reporting of KPIs (grant applications, awards, contribution, success rates, and contracts clearance levels) and develop innovations to improve service impact and systemic issues.
  • •As a contracts signatory, establish and maintain a negotiating framework for research and research-related contracts, including IP protection, data transfer/protection for sensitive data, right to publish, and appropriate recovery of funds.
  • •Support complex research applications and contracts as required, leading projects while mentoring team members for continuous professional development.
  • •Develop internal and external networks and embed a collaborative, customer-focused service culture, while taking responsibility for team HR matters and EDI.

Pay and Benefits

Salary: GBP 58,225 - 87,974 annually
Perks:Paid LeavePensionChildcare

Key Requirements

  • •Educated to degree level (or equivalent) or extensive experience in a complex organisation, plus substantial relevant managerial experience.
  • •Experience drafting and reviewing complex research agreements using a pragmatic, risk-based approach.
  • •Ability to lead a research support team to prioritise pre-award workload across research development, proposal drafting support, budgets/costing, and compliance.
  • •Knowledge of regulatory compliance, including trusted research and due diligence on partners and funders, with referrals for export control.
  • •Ability to provide visible, proactive leadership and mentorship, embedding EDI and a culture of collaboration and information/data sharing.
Education:Bachelor's
Skills:LeadershipRisk-based thinkingMentorshipStakeholder managementProcess improvement

Company Brief

University of Birmingham
A major UK research university offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across a wide range of disciplines; known for research, teaching excellence, and international partnerships.
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: Enterprise (1,001+ employees)
Revenue: USD 500M to 1B
Growth: Government & Public Sector
Funding: Government Funded
Headquarters: Birmingham, United Kingdom
Founded: 1900
WebsiteLinkedIn