Research Finance Systems Lead

Network IT Recruitment; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency seeks a Research Finance Systems Lead to optimize and manage critical systems, including Oracle Projects and WorkTribe, for a Birmingham-based client. This senior role demands a mix of technical expertise, stakeholder engagement, and process improvement. The ideal candidate will provide direction for system enhancements and manage a small team while ensuring system integrity and compliance. Compensation ranges from £47,000 to £63,500 and offers a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of research finance processes and system capabilities.
• Proven experience in system configuration, testing, and optimisation.
• Ability to manage and develop a team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide direction and oversight for Research Finance systems.
• Manage configuration and resolve issues.
• Drive enhancements and process improvements.

Skills

WorkTribe or Oracle Projects knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Education

Relevant Oracle certification

Tools

Oracle Projects

WorkTribe

Job description

Role: Research Finance Systems Lead
Location: Birmingham (Hybrid)
Salary: £47,000 - £63,500

Network IT are supporting a leading organisation in the search for a Functional Lead to take ownership of their Research Finance systems (Oracle Projects and WorkTribe) as a part of their Core Systems Team. This is a senior role combining technical expertise, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring these critical systems deliver maximum value and support strategic objectives.
You’ll act as the go-to specialist for Research Finance systems, driving enhancements, shaping functionality, and managing a small team. This is an opportunity to influence system strategy, lead improvements, and work closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation.

Role Overview and Responsibilities

• As Functional Lead, you will provide direction and oversight for Research Finance systems, ensuring they are optimised and aligned with business needs.
• You’ll manage configuration, resolve issues, and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Own the functional roadmap for Research Finance systems (Oracle Projects and WorkTribe).
• Drive enhancements, process improvements, and system optimisation.
• Oversee configuration changes and ensure robust testing before deployment.
• Manage data integrity and compliance within your functional area.
• Act as escalation point for complex issues and liaise with Managed Service Providers.
• Maintain documentation including process maps, SOPs, and training guides.
• Lead quarterly release planning and regression testing for Oracle updates.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and provide expert advice on best practice.
• Manage a small team, setting objectives and supporting development.
• Represent CSOT in key forums and deputise for the Head of CSOT when required.

Experience Requirements

To succeed in this role, you should bring:

• WorkTribe or Oracle Projects knowledge is essential.
• Relevant Oracle certification (highly desirable).
• Strong understanding of research finance processes and system capabilities.
• Proven experience in system configuration, testing, and optimisation.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to manage and develop a team effectively.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and innovative approach to process improvement.
• Organisational skills to manage priorities and deliver against strategic objectives.