Head of Research Operations & Strategy

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40 days holiday

Volunteer day

Pension scheme

Nurseries on site

Job summary

The University of Birmingham is seeking a Head of Research Operations (College of Medicine & Health) to lead a team delivering pre-award research support, due diligence, grants setup, and contract management.

You will provide senior leadership, build internal and external networks, and ensure compliance with funders’ terms while supporting research ambition across the College and wider University.

Qualifications

• Experience drafting and reviewing complex research agreements using a pragmatic, risk-based approach.
• Ability to lead diverse staff through middle management and provide senior practitioner support.
• Strong knowledge of national and international research policy, governance, and funding processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Research Support Team of ~25 professionals to manage pre-award research support, budget costing, and contracts.
• Monitor KPIs and drive innovations to improve grant applications, awards, and contractual outcomes.
• Act as contracts signatory and develop a risk-based negotiating framework for research-related agreements.
• Lead complex applications and contracts, mentoring staff to build capability across the team.
• Develop external networks with funders, partners, and other universities to advance research income and impact.

Skills

Contract drafting

Leadership

Policy & governance

Stakeholder management

Independent professional discretion

Research contracting

Education

Degree level or equivalent

Job description

The University of Birmingham is seeking a Head of Research Operations (College of Medicine & Health) to lead a team delivering pre-award research support, due diligence, grants setup, and contract management.

You will provide senior leadership, build internal and external networks, and ensure compliance with funders’ terms while supporting research ambition across the College and wider University.