Research and Governance Manager

Buckinghamshire New University; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern university in England seeks a Research and Governance Manager to lead its research unit. Responsibilities include managing university research activities, supporting faculty and researchers, and enhancing research quality and impact. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree, leadership experience, and a thorough understanding of Higher Education systems related to research. This role offers a salary between £44,746 and £56,535 annually and requires a proactive approach to work.

Qualifications

• Proven experience of leading, managing, and motivating a team.
• Knowledge and thorough understanding of Higher Education systems in the UK relating to research activity.
• Experience as an administrator at a senior level.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate university research activities and policies.
• Lead and support faculty in achieving research objectives.
• Evaluate and enhance research quality across the university.

Skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Excellent organizational and planning skills

Proactive attitude to work

Ability to work well under pressure

Good skills using MS packages and databases

Methodical and accurate approach

Education

First degree or equivalent

Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)

Job description

Research and Governance Manager

Location: High Wycombe – travel to other University sites may be required

Hours: 37 hours per week

Salary: £44,746 – £56,535

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that welcomes fresh ideas and innovation, and believes in the transformative power of education.

Research and knowledge exchange are among BNU’s key priorities. This role leads the Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKO) unit, supporting the university in growing toward research priorities, aiding Colleges of Study in reaching their goals, and supporting individual researchers.

Job Purpose: The Research Governance Manager is responsible for the management, coordination, delivery, evaluation and enhancement of the university’s research activity, providing a full service to the colleges on all aspects relating to research. The role supports the university’s strategic objectives: Research Degree Awarding Powers, a higher‑quality REF submission, and increased research income.

Key responsibilities include strategic, administrative, policy, and data management tasks that underpin research quality and impact across the university.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality project management and administrative support for the development, submission and completion of BNU’s application for Research Degree Awarding powers, acting as the key university contact with the OfS and for all staff in relation to the submission.
• In partnership with academic staff and senior managers, provide sector knowledge and support to deliver a high‑quality REF submission.
• Ensure research data is collected and managed appropriately to support the RDAP application and optimise REF outputs, impact and environments.
• Implement a process of output quality evaluation, with trained staff and external advice, to support academic refinement of publication strategies and enhance output quality.
• Support identification, enhancement and measurement of research impact, to enable development of high‑quality impact case studies.
• Ensure accurate research activity returns to Research England and other external bodies as required; support organisation and preparation of external audits related to research (HR Excellence, Athena Swan, etc.).
• Lead the RKO in providing professional support for the development of research policy, strategy and implementation across the university.
• Monitor research performance against institutional plans and provide regular reports to the relevant committees; ensure records of research activity (staff) are maintained accurately.
• Work with Associate Deans (Research) to ensure colleges receive timely and accurate advice on sources of external funds and facilitate achievement of institutional KPIs.
• Oversee the development and approval of regulations and quality procedures related to continuing enhancement of research provision.
• Collaborate with the Finance Directorate to develop procedures and mechanisms for tracking research income and managing research projects.
• Work with the Pro‑Vice Chancellor: Academic and Associate Deans (Research) to enhance the research culture within the university.
• Ensure the effective dissemination of all aspects of research activity through the website and repository.
• Maintain awareness of new developments across the sector via active engagement with relevant networks (e.g., CREST, Vitae, ARMA) and embed these developments within BNU.

Any other duties consistent with the post that may reasonably be required by the Pro‑Vice Chancellor: Academic.

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications & Training

• First degree or equivalent.
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).

Knowledge and Experience

• Proven experience of leading, managing and motivating a team.
• Demonstrable understanding and commitment to the ethos and values of the university.
• Knowledge and thorough understanding of Higher Education systems, processes and procedures in the UK, particularly research activity.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships at all levels within the university from both an academic and professional service perspective.
• Experience as an administrator at a senior level.
• Experience of proactive problem solving.
• Experience of analysing and reflecting on data and process, and proposing change and solutions.

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent proven organisational and planning skills, including time management.
• Proactive and flexible attitude to work.
• Proven ability to work well under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Good skills using MS packages and databases.
• Good time management skills, with the ability to manage simultaneous projects.
• Methodical and accurate approach – meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability and willingness to network across the sector to identify initiatives and best practice for implementation at BNU.
• Ability to evaluate current practices and propose alternative approaches to enhance the effectiveness of university processes.

Special Requirements

• Willingness to work flexible hours as required.

Recruitment Information

Closing Date: Sunday 11th Jan 2026

Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Please note that an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required for this position. The successful applicant will be required to give consent to check their criminal record status through the DBS. Information will be kept in strict confidence. The offer of appointment will be subject to the university being satisfied with the outcome of this check.

If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.

For further information about this role please contact Professor Jermaine M Ravalier (Pro‑Vice Chancellor, Academic) on [e-mail].

BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be under‑represented in BNU’s workforce, including people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to the People Team if you have any specific needs or would like more information on how we can support you.

We ensure that our interview/shortlisting chairs complete the relevant e‑learning and inclusive recruitment training.