Research Grants and Contracts Project Manager in Cirencester)

Ad Warrior Ltd; Chesterton; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading institution in agricultural education is seeking a Research Grants and Contracts Project Manager to lead the management of research funding applications. The successful candidate will develop competitive proposals, oversee budget management, and ensure compliance throughout the funding lifecycle. The role offers competitive salary and a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development options. Remote work flexibility is also available.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Discounted gym access

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Experience in managing research funding applications and contracts.
• Strong knowledge of financial management and compliance procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively with academic staff.

Responsibilities

• Develop competitive grant applications and coordinate bids.
• Monitor budgets and approve expenditures.
• Deliver robust post-award financial support and management.

Skills

Grant application coordination

Budget preparation

Financial management

Compliance management

Job description

Research Grants and Contracts Project Manager

Cirencester, GL7 6JS

£38,784-£46,049 p/a depending on experience

Permanent, full-time, 35 hours per week

Flexible working options

The Royal Agricultural University "RAU" has been at the forefront of agricultural education for 180 years and is globally renowned for its links with industry and courses that are designed to meet the demands of the changing land‑based sector.

The RAU is committed to doing research that makes a difference on the ground, working to address global challenges including climate change, food security, and water resource management. Our vision to achieve a global reputation for excellence and leadership across our teaching, research and engagement with a goal to achieve at least 75% of research outputs being judged as world‑leading.

The postholder will provide expert guidance and hands‑on support to academics throughout the full research funding lifecycle. They will lead on developing competitive grant applications, including coordinating bids, preparing budgets, ensuring compliance with funder requirements, and managing the end‑to‑end submission process. The role also supports the review, negotiation, and finalisation of research contracts and collaboration agreements to protect the University's interests and manage risk.

Following project award, the postholder will deliver robust post‑award financial and project management support. This includes setting up project accounts, monitoring budgets, approving expenditure, and overseeing staffing requests in line with funder and University policies. They will be responsible for preparing and submitting financial claims, reconciling timesheets, meeting reporting obligations, and ensuring smooth project closure with all financial and administrative requirements fully met.

The RAU is set in beautiful surroundings and offers a range of Staff Benefits including a 35‑hour working week, a generous 30 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time posts), pension scheme, free and guaranteed parking on campus, discounted catering facilities, discounted onsite gym, free library services, employee assistance programme, occupational health and counselling services, cycle to work scheme and staff development opportunities.

Interviews

18, 19 and 20 February 2026

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for RAU, please proceed through the following link to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

https://www.rau.ac.uk/about-us/jobs

The RAU is an equal opportunities employer and we particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic candidates as they are under‑represented within the RAU at this level.