Strategic Delivery Partner - Research Strategy and Services - 106826 - Grade 8

University of Birmingham; Park Central; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university is seeking a Strategic Delivery Partner to enable excellence in operations, communications, and change delivery. This new role requires strong interpersonal skills, strategic coordination, and project oversight. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, providing support to senior leadership and ensuring effective communication. Benefits include flexible working arrangements and substantial paid holidays.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

40 days paid holiday per year

Paid day for volunteering

Occupational sick pay

Pension scheme

Subsidised day nurseries

Qualifications

• Track record of successfully delivering projects in a change-oriented environment.
• Ability to synthesize complex information quickly.
• Experience supporting governance or committee structures.

Responsibilities

• Act as a key advisor to the RSSD Senior Leadership Team.
• Coordinate and maintain portfolio of Standard Operating Procedures.
• Lead discrete projects on behalf of the RSSD SLT.

Skills

Project delivery

Exceptional writing

Interpersonal skills

Political sensitivity

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Reporting directly to the Director of RSSD, the Strategic Delivery Partner will be a key enabler of excellence in how the Division operates, communicates and delivers change. This is a new role for a motivated and capable professional with excellent judgement, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders. The post holder will work closely with the RSSD senior leadership and divisional teams, providing a blend of strategic coordination, project oversight and policy support. From strengthening our internal culture and service design, to taking forward key initiatives such as the Division's Standard Operating Procedures and supporting the University Research Committee, the role offers variety, autonomy and visibility. We are looking for someone who brings energy, sensitivity and resilience, and who thrives in a dynamic and people‑focused environment. You will be an excellent writer, capable of distilling complex matters into clear and engaging communications, and able to represent the Director with professionalism and credibility. This is a unique opportunity for someone who enjoys making things happen, and who wants to help shape a forward‑looking division at the heart of a global university.

Main Duties – Strategic & Operational Coordination

• Act as a key advisor and delivery partner to the RSSD Senior Leadership Team (RSSD SLT) on the development and implementation of internal change, communications and strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate and maintain the Division's portfolio of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring they are up to date, consistent and embedded into practice.
• Lead discrete projects on behalf of the RSSD SLT, including strategic planning exercises, major events, or service design reviews.
• Provide secretariat support to the Director's College weekly College Hubs leadership meetings. Help shape agendas and ensure these forums are inclusive, purposeful, and well‑aligned to institutional priorities.
• Support the development and delivery of the RSSD Town Hall meetings.
• Lead the Division's response to staff engagement surveys (e.g. 'Have Your Say'), and work with colleagues to develop and track local action plans.
• Support the development of an inclusive and positive working culture across the Division, identifying opportunities for staff engagement, and peer learning.
• Act as a point of contact for colleagues seeking advice on internal projects or initiatives.
• Draft clear, engaging written materials for the Director and RSSD senior leadership team, including reports, briefings, and presentations.
• Support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across RSSD by identifying and promoting best practice.Undertake other duties commensurate with the grade, as required by the Director.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant professional experience in a complex organisational setting.
• Strong track record of successfully delivering projects, or internal initiatives in a change‑oriented environment.
• Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive content for a range of audiences.
• High degree of political sensitivity and emotional intelligence, with the ability to build trust and work collaboratively at all levels.
• Experience of supporting governance or committee structures, including writing formal papers and coordinating inputs from senior colleagues.
• Confident and proactive, with a self‑directed approach to managing priorities and delivering work to a high standard.
• Ability to synthesise complex information quickly and advise on appropriate next steps.
• Knowledge of or interest in the UK higher education and research environment.
• A collaborative mindset, with a commitment to professionalism, inclusivity and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements available.
• 40 days paid holiday per year.
• One paid day per year for volunteering.
• Occupational sick pay.
• Pension scheme.
• Three high‑quality subsidised day nurseries.

Equality & Diversity

The University of Birmingham is committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and is proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.