Research Finance Manager

TN United Kingdom; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in Oxford is seeking a Research Finance Manager to oversee a complex portfolio of research grants. This senior role requires expertise in financial administration, team leadership, and a strong understanding of research funding processes. The successful candidate will ensure compliance and provide expert guidance throughout the research lifecycle, contributing to the department's success.

Benefits

38 days annual leave

Hybrid working

Contributory pension scheme

Childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle and electric car loan schemes

Employee Assistance Programme

Membership to social and sports clubs

Discounted bus travel

Lunch contribution

Qualifications

• Proven background in administration and business management in academia.
• Strong understanding of research grant costing and accounting.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Department’s research grants operation.
• Lead a team of 10 Senior Finance Officers and Finance Officers.

Skills

Organisational Skills

Problem Solving

Management

Financial Analysis

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Financial Spreadsheets

Databases

Job description

Research Finance Manager

We are seeking an experienced Research Finance Manager to provide a high-quality, professional research finance service to academics, researchers, and administrators within the Nuffield Department of Population Health (NDPH).

The Department manages a large and complex research portfolio with approximately 300 active grants, many exceeding £1 million in value, and processes around 300 grant-related applications annually.

Working within a collaborative and supportive administrative team, you will play a pivotal role in managing the Department’s research grants operation. You will be the main point of contact for all aspects of pre- and post-award grant management and will be responsible for ensuring effective and compliant financial administration across the research lifecycle. This includes providing expert guidance on grant applications, overseeing the financial management of awarded grants, and supporting contract negotiations and collaboration agreements.

You will lead a team of 10 Senior Finance Officers and Finance Officers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality support and service improvements. Reporting directly to the Deputy Head of Finance, you will also work closely with the Accounts and Personnel Teams.

This is a varied and senior role that requires a strong background in research administration, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to work across a wide range of complex projects. You will need to balance strategic oversight with hands-on involvement and bring a common-sense approach to problem-solving in a dynamic, research-focused environment.

To be considered for the role, you should have:

1. A degree (or equivalent experience)
2. A proven background in administration and business management within an academic setting, including direct line management, staff recruitment, and development
3. A strong understanding of research grant costing and accounting, with expertise in managing budgets and grants
4. Proficiency in financial spreadsheets and databases

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 38 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time)
• Hybrid working
• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• Childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle and electric car loan schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Membership to social and sports clubs
• Discounted bus travel and travel loans
• Daily (weekday) contribution towards lunch purchased in the BDI/OxPop Buildings
• Twice weekly coffee and cake mornings, and social events throughout the year

This role is based in Oxford, offered on a full-time basis (part-time considered). It is a fixed-term post for 3 years in the first instance.