Senior Officer Strategic R&E Development

Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT); Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the UK is seeking a Senior Officer for Strategic Research and Enterprise Development. The successful candidate will oversee bidding portfolios, develop partnerships, and drive interdisciplinary collaborations. A strong background in successful application writing and experience working with stakeholders is essential. The role offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, emphasizing emotional intelligence and effective communication skills.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

Standard Life Pension scheme

Free Will Writing Service

Gym membership discounts

Generous Annual Leave

Qualifications

• Proven track record of writing successful strategic collaborative applications.
• Experience working with stakeholders at local, regional, and UK levels.
• Excellent presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the strategic bidding portfolio across the University.
• Engage with partners and facilitate support for applications.
• Develop interdisciplinary discussions and collaborations.

Skills

Emotional intelligence

Strong communication skills

Political awareness

Ability to work at pace

Education

Experience with R&E funders

Job description

The University of Wolverhampton has a proud heritage of excellence in research, knowledge exchange and enterprise which has had a significant impact regionally and informs our teaching. The University Strategy 2035 sets our ambition to develop high-quality, impactful research and knowledge exchange that transforms lives, and which makes a world-leading contribution in the areas of green innovation and sustainability, health and wellbeing and inclusive communities.

Our newly created Research and Enterprise Directorate (RED) will drive positive change and significant growth across the University of Wolverhampton and through our engagement with external partners and stakeholders. We have a number of newly established critical roles available in the Directorate and we are ready to invite applications from talented, experienced, ambitious, and enthusiastic colleagues who embody the university values and behaviours: Inclusive, Accountable, Ambitious and Resilient.

As Senior Officer Strategic Research and Enterprise Development, you will take responsibility and oversight of the strategic bidding portfolio across the University. You will be directly responsible for identifying strategic and collaborative opportunities, leading on bid development and writing, engaging with partners, and facilitating interactions and support from academic and professional services colleagues to ensure quality and credible strategic applications with the best chance of success are submitted to funders.

You will develop and manage a university-wide directorate of expertise, focusing on strategic themes, using this as a tool to initiate and facilitate interdisciplinary discussions and collaborations, linking with other teams in RED for maximum benefit and impact.

You will develop and deliver a range of regular innovative initiatives to support university wide collaboration and interdisciplinary working, including sandpits and lead on strategic funder relationships with identified key funders for university benefit.

We are looking for someone with a high level of emotional intelligence who has the ability to develop strong working relationships with staff at all levels across the University to ensure quality service delivery, demonstrating political awareness, diplomacy and tact. You will need to demonstrate a proven track record of supporting and writing successful strategic collaborative applications to R&E funders relevant to Higher Education; have experience of working effectively with key stakeholders at local, regional and UK levels; demonstrate excellent presentation skills and the ability to communicate effectively in all situations to varied audiences; be comfortable working flexibly and at pace in a rapidly changing environment with a positive and solution‑focussed approach.

Your Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Standard Life Pension scheme – with employer contribution of up to 12% to the University's defined contribution scheme.
• Long Service Recognition - £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with Vice Chancellor for 25 & 40 years of service.
• Free Will Writing Service - Complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners.
• IT & Mobile Discounts - EE Perk (20% off for family & friends) & software discounts.

Supporting Your Health & Wellbeing

• Wellbeing and Mental Health Support - 24/7 access to EAP service, free counselling sessions, wellbeing support resources and Occupational Health Service.
• Gym memberships discounts – at our Walsall Campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton.
• Eyecare Support - Free eVoucher for eye tests and glasses contribution.
• Flu Vouchers - Free flu vaccinations for staff.
• Paycare Health Benefit Plan - Covers optical, dental, physiotherapy, and personal accident insurance.
• Chaplaincy & Prayer Rooms – Access to multi‑faith chaplaincy services.

Valuing You

• Generous Annual Leave (see table below)
• Flexible & Agile Working - Flexible and Hybrid working arrangements.
• Free On‑site Parking - available across campuses
• Cycle Benefits Scheme - Save up to 42% on a bike & accessories via salary sacrifice.
• Employee Discounts - Savings on groceries, fashion, and entertainment.
• Travel Discounts - Up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles.

Training and Development

• Staff Network and Inclusion - Access to support networks and events with our LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability, and Women's networks.
• Library Access - Staff have access to books and resources at our onsite libraries.
• Staff Scholarship Scheme - Funding for part‑time higher education, up to PhD level
• Leadership and Management Development - Access to training opportunities to support you with advancing in your career.

The University of Opportunity for Students and Staff

As part of our commitment to ensure the diversity of our staff body reflects those of the student and local communities we serve, we particularly welcome applications from candidates of Black, Asian, or Ethnic Minority heritage, and candidates who are Disabled (including people who may not define themselves as disabled, but nevertheless encounter challenges).

PLEASE NOTE: Applications are scored against the criteria set out in the job description and person specifications attached to this advert. Applications are not assessed against the job advert so please ensure your applications are crafted against the Job Description and Person Specification contained within it.