REF Manager - Research Office

TELFER PARTNERS; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic REF Manager to lead preparations for the REF 2029 submission. This pivotal role involves strategic leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring all aspects of the submission process are expertly coordinated. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership, providing guidance on research planning and policy interpretation. With a generous benefits package, including flexible working arrangements, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on research excellence.

Benefits

41 days annual leave

Flexible working

Generous pension scheme

Discount portal

Cycle to work scheme

Employee assistance programme

Family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of the Higher Education sector.
• Experience in large, complex organizations with high-quality service.

Responsibilities

• Lead the REF submission process and provide strategic guidance.
• Manage a team and ensure effective communication with stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership in REF Submission

Stakeholder Engagement

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Budget Management

Strategic Planning

Education

Degree Level Education

Job description

One of the world's leading research-intensive academic institutions is seeking an experienced and dynamic REF Manager to play a pivotal role in leading the University’s preparations for the REF 2029 submission. This key position will work in close partnership with the Director of Research Services and senior leadership to oversee both the operational and technical aspects of the submission process. Building on the successes of REF 2021, the REF Manager will collaborate with academics, senior leaders, and professional services colleagues.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership in developing and implementing the REF strategy, ensuring all preparatory work is expertly managed and coordinated. They will offer guidance and support to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and contribute to decision-making processes at the highest level. With a strong background in research planning and policy interpretation, the REF Manager will be responsible for overseeing the submission to REF 2029, managing a team, and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of research excellence.

REF Manager: Key responsibilities

1. Leadership of REF Submission

• Provide professional leadership for the REF submission, working closely with senior leadership to develop the strategic approach.
• Provide strategic advice and expert guidance on all aspects of the institutional REF submission to the Senior Leadership team and REF leads.
• Analyse and interpret external guidance to develop a detailed understanding of the REF 2029 criteria.

Team Leadership and Management

• Establish a collaborative central REF function, promoting teamwork and effective communication.
• Manage a small team, ensuring appropriate workload distribution and overseeing performance management.
• Maintain strategic oversight of all REF 2029 components, identifying and resolving issues early.
• Work closely with School-based staff to ensure effective communication and monitor overall REF submission preparations.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Inform, influence, and collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure institution-wide engagement in the REF submission.
• Build and nurture relationships with School and Department staff to understand their needs and challenges in preparation for the exercise.
• Lead the design of guidance and supporting materials for departments and academic staff, including training and workshops.
• Maintain effective working relationships with Professional Service teams to ensure collective meeting of REF submission objectives.

REF Manager: Skills/experience

• In-depth understanding of the Higher Education sector and the challenges it faces.
• Experience working in large, complex organisations with a focus on high-quality service and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience within a research-intensive university, working across all staff levels and managing senior academic and professional relationships.
• Ability to balance and manage competing demands from internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and delivering large-scale strategic programmes or frameworks.
• Experience in leading and supporting teams, including developing others to achieve high standards and realise individual potential.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence and negotiate effectively.
• Excellent organisational and administrative abilities, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficient project management capabilities.
• Ability to apply creativity and original thinking to develop innovative approaches to programmes and initiatives.
• Clear and effective communication skills—both written and verbal—with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience in producing high-quality written materials that are clear, persuasive, and tailored to audience needs.
• Able to exercise tact and diplomacy, work independently, and manage time effectively.
• Experience of managing budgets and allocating resources.
• Educated to at least degree level.

A generous benefits package is offered including:

• 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays), flexible/hybrid working, a generous pension scheme, discount portal, cycle to work scheme, access to the university accommodation service, scheme for the reimbursement of relocation expenses, employee assistance programme, family-friendly policies, along with many more.

This is a retained assignment by Telfer Partners.

Our client welcomes applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

Our client actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Our client has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Early applications are preferred and should be submitted by Tuesday, the 27^th of May 2025 at the very latest.

Successful candidates will be invited to attend an interview in Cambridge during the week commencing the 9^th of June 2025.

For an initial, confidential discussion about this opportunity and the interview process or to request Further Particulars, please contact Neil Telfer at [phone] or [e-mail].

How to apply

Send your CV and cover letter to [e-mail] quoting the reference TP 916.

Referral Scheme - Telfer Partners offers a referral reward if we fill this vacancy with someone you recommend. You can send us contact details of anyone you would like to recommend to [e-mail].

Equality Policy - Telfer Partners is committed to upholding a professional and impartial recruitment process. Our Equal Opportunities policy ensures that all job applicants and employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, religion, age, disability, or union membership status.