Functional Lead

Pertemps; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organisation in Birmingham is seeking a Research Finance Systems Lead to take ownership of their Finance systems, including Oracle Projects and WorkTribe. You will manage a small team, drive process improvements, and engage with senior stakeholders to ensure these systems deliver optimal value. The ideal candidate has solid experience in system configuration and a strong understanding of research finance processes. This is a hybrid role offering a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Experience with WorkTribe or Oracle Projects is essential.
• Strong understanding of research finance processes is required.
• Proven experience in system configuration and optimisation.

Responsibilities

• Own the functional roadmap for Research Finance systems.
• Drive enhancements and process improvements.
• Manage data integrity and compliance within your functional area.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and provide expert advice.

Skills

WorkTribe knowledge

Oracle Projects knowledge

Stakeholder engagement skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Organisational skills

Education

Relevant Oracle certification

Job description

Role:

Research Finance Systems Lead

Location:

Birmingham (Hybrid)

Salary:

£47,000 – £63,500

Network IT are supporting a leading organisation in the search for a Functional Lead to take ownership of their Research Finance systems (Oracle Projects and WorkTribe) as a part of their Core Systems Team. This is a senior role combining technical expertise, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring these critical systems deliver maximum value and support strategic objectives.

You’ll act as the go‑to specialist for Research Finance systems, driving enhancements, shaping functionality, and managing a small team. This is an opportunity to influence system strategy, lead improvements, and work closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation.

Role Overview and Responsibilities

As Functional Lead, you will provide direction and oversight for Research Finance systems, ensuring they are optimised and aligned with business needs. You’ll manage configuration, resolve issues, and lead continuous improvement initiatives.

• Own the functional roadmap for Research Finance systems (Oracle Projects and WorkTribe).
• Drive enhancements, process improvements, and system optimisation.
• Oversee configuration changes and ensure robust testing before deployment.
• Manage data integrity and compliance within your functional area.
• Act as escalation point for complex issues and liaise with Managed Service Providers.
• Maintain documentation including process maps, SOPs, and training guides.
• Lead quarterly release planning and regression testing for Oracle updates.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and provide expert advice on best practice.
• Manage a small team, setting objectives and supporting development.
• Represent CSOT in key forums and deputise for the Head of CSOT when required.

Experience Requirements

To succeed in this role, you should bring:

• WorkTribe or Oracle Projects knowledge is essential.
• Relevant Oracle certification (highly desirable).
• Strong understanding of research finance processes and system capabilities.
• Proven experience in system configuration, testing, and optimisation.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to manage and develop a team effectively.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and innovative approach to process improvement.
• Organisational skills to manage priorities and deliver against strategic objectives.