Research Development Manager

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Mentoring programmes

Accessibility resources

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University seeks a Research Development Manager to grow the university's research grant portfolio, advising leadership and academic communities on securing national and international funding.

The role requires a proven track record in securing research funding and developing funding opportunities, with strong networking and influencing abilities to build relationships with funders and stakeholders. A predominantly hybrid working arrangement is offered.

Qualifications

• Significant track record of securing research funding in one or more university priority areas.
• Experience developing national and international research funding opportunities and partnerships.
• Ability to build and engage internal and external networks to grow research income.

Responsibilities

• Advise and support Faculty, School and Institute leadership to grow the University's research grant portfolio.
• Lead and support the development of competitive national and international funding applications.
• Collaborate with internal/external stakeholders to optimise intelligence, influence funders and profile.

Skills

Grant writing

Stakeholder engagement

Networking

Influencing

Communication

Job description

Manchester Met is recognised as an outstanding modern university with excellent research that meets the demands of a rapidly changing world. Research continues to grow, develop and flourish and reinforces our status as a dual-intensive university where education and research excellence go hand in hand. Across four faculties and three Institutes we are continuing to make significant investment in areas of strength to deliver outputs that have real-world impact and enhance our global reputation.

To build on this success and demonstrate our commitment to driving grant capture growth, we are recruiting a Research Development Manager with a proven track record in securing national and international research funding. The role is located within the Research Development Team and will report to the newly created Head of Research Development (Arts & Humanities, Business and Law and Education). The Research Development Team has played a fundamental role in the University's sustained research income growth; this is an exciting opportunity to help drive its continued success.

We have been proudly driving progress for more than two centuries. As one of the UK's largest and most popular universities, we're a force for good, dedicated to delivering outstanding research and excellent education. Our community of over 5,100 colleagues work in close partnership every day to bring about positive change regionally, nationally, and globally. Much more than a university, we are a place where ambitious people unite as a diverse and inclusive community to make meaningful connections. Where world-class facilities combine with exceptional minds to improve lives through innovation. We welcome those who are committed, talented, and hardworking. People who believe in our values and are as driven as we are to achieve shared goals. Build a role with purpose, in an environment designed to unlock your potential. Be part of Manchester Met. Be Manchester Met proud. Let's transform lives together.

About The Role

You will work closely with the wider Research Development team to advise and support our Faculty, School and Institute leadership and academic community to grow the University's research grant portfolio, leading and supporting the development of competitive national and international research funding applications.

This is a predominantly hybrid working post.

About You

We are looking for individuals with:

• A significant track record of securing research funding in one or more of the University areas of research strengths: AI, Cyber and Digital; Climate, Energy and Environmental Management; Creative Arts and Cultural Studies; Education and Learning; Health and Social Care; Manufacturing and Materials; Social Inequality; Sport and Rehabilitation; Sustainable Business.
• Experience of developing successful national and international research funding opportunities and partnerships.

You will have the ability to build and engage with internal and external networks to:

• Enable high-quality national and international research income growth.
• Support University relationships with key funders and wider external stakeholders, to optimise and leverage intelligence, build influence and profile.
• Contribute to continuous service improvement and develop communities of best practice.

• Communicate confidently and influence and persuade academic and professional services stakeholders.

Interviews

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 28th October 2026.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.