Head of Research Excellence

JR United Kingdom; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UWE Bristol seeks a Head of Research Excellence to spearhead their REF submissions and provide strategic support in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in the Higher Education sector, excel in communication and planning, and possess the ability to liaise effectively with external stakeholders.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Generous leave

Career-average pension scheme

Retail savings

Onsite nursery

Opportunities for training and development

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in REF preparation and submission.
• Proven team management experience and track record of supporting REF assessments.
• Comfortable liaising with stakeholders across Higher Education.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation for REF submissions in 2028 and onwards.
• Provide strategic support to research leaders and senior management.
• Collaborate on developing case studies and submission strategies.

Skills

Communication

Planning

Team Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Extensive knowledge of HEI sector REF requirements

Job description

Research and External Engagement (REE) is a new integrated service dedicated to driving forward the University's ambitions for research, innovation, skills, and enterprise. This professional service supports students, fosters research excellence, upskills and reskills the region's workforce, and strengthens relationships with alumni, businesses, and community partners.

Through cutting-edge research initiatives, hands-on learning opportunities, strategic partnerships, civic leadership, and skills delivery, REE aims to empower individuals to thrive in an ever-changing world. Click here to learn more about REE and their work.

About the Role

The Head of Research Excellence will lead the preparation and coordination of the university's submission to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2028 and subsequent submissions. Working closely with the PVC for Research and Knowledge Exchange, research leaders, and the Director of Research and External Engagement, they will provide strategic support and insight for the REF 2029 submission.

The successful candidate will possess extensive knowledge and expertise in HEI sector REF requirements, with significant involvement in past REF submissions. They will be a highly skilled communicator and planner, proactive and dynamic, comfortable liaising at all levels within the university, and serving as the key link with Research England for REF. Proven team management experience and a track record of supporting REF assessments are essential.

About You

We seek an individual with extensive experience in REF preparation and submission. You will liaise with and influence external stakeholders and special interest groups across the Higher Education sector, including Research England, to position the university optimally during the REF process.

You will work with research leaders, senior management, and your team, demonstrating detailed knowledge of sector developments and best practices related to REF.

Collaboration across REE and the university community is vital to develop a comprehensive approach to the REF, including case studies and submission strategies.

Location

This role is based at our vibrant Frenchay campus, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support staff and students.

Why UWE Bristol?

As one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West, with 38,000 students and 4,000 staff from around the world, we are located in Bristol—one of the UK’s most exciting cities. We are regionally embedded and globally connected, with a strong network of employer and academic partners.

We offer a wide range of employee benefits, including competitive pay, generous leave, a career-average pension scheme, retail savings, onsite nursery, and opportunities for training and development.

UWE Bristol values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive community. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, especially from the global majority and male candidates, as we are underrepresented in these areas. All appointments are made based on merit. As a Disability Confident employer, we also encourage applications from individuals with disabilities.