Strategic Research Development Manager

Imperial College London; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

39 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working policy

On-site leisure facilities

Cycle-to-work scheme

Interest-free season ticket loan

Job summary

A prestigious higher education institution in the UK is seeking a Strategic Research Development Manager to lead the development of cross-disciplinary research funding proposals. The successful candidate will identify major funding opportunities and manage complex submissions. Strong project management and communication skills are essential. This role offers a competitive salary, generous leave, and a collaborative work culture.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing large-scale, international research funding proposals.
• Skilled in supporting end-to-end proposal development.
• Proactive advisor with a strong facilitative approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of cross-disciplinary funding proposals.
• Work with academics to identify funding opportunities.
• Manage complex submissions from start to finish.

Skills

Expertise in managing international research funding bids

Strong project management skills

Ability to advise on proposal strategy

Confident communication skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

The Strategic Research Development Manager will work pro-actively to convene, develop, and support multidisciplinary expertise for the development of ambitious external funding applications, in collaboration with global partners.

The role will have responsibility for supporting the development of high quality funding applications from a range of funding sources.

What you would be doing

In this role, you will lead the development of high-value, cross-disciplinary research funding proposals, helping shape impactful global partnerships. You’ll work closely with academics across Imperial to identify major international funding opportunities, guide strategic bid development, and manage complex submissions from start to finish. You’ll be a trusted advisor, bringing insight, structure, and creativity to research initiatives that align with institutional priorities.

What we are looking for

• Expertise in identifying and managing large-scale, international research funding bids, including multi-partner proposals over £1M.
• Strong project management skills, supporting end-to-end proposal development across disciplines and sectors.
• Skilled at advising academics and partners on proposal strategy, content, and submission processes.
• Confident communicator with ability to critique and improve technical and non-technical aspects of funding applications.
• Strategic thinker with experience aligning funding efforts to institutional goals and building research networks.
• Proactive, collaborative, and credible advisor with strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation abilities.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

The role is situated in Imperial’s Global Development Hub, which brings together Imperial’s community to maximise the global impact of our world-leading research, education and innovation, engage with the United Nations Sustainable Agenda 2030, and work with some of the most vulnerable and marginalised in societies where multiple global challenges are acutely concentrated.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Clare Turner [e-mail]

Seniority level

Senior

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Administrative

Industries: Higher Education