Research Support Manager - Research Strategy and Services
Position Details
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary normally in the range £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression to £63,606
Grade: 8
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to October 2026
Closing date: 19 October 2025
This role is also open as an internal secondment opportunity which would need to be agreed by your current line manager.
Overview
The Research Strategy and Services Division (RSSD) provides professional services in research strategy, operations, and partnerships. The Research Support Manager (RSM) leads a team of professional research support practitioners, delivering proactive research development, partnership building, support for research proposals, funder submissions, costing and pricing, due diligence of external partners, and negotiation of research agreements for the College of CMH.
Main duties
* Lead a diverse team of Research Support practitioners in the areas of: research proposal development, partner liaison, costing and pricing, funder terms and conditions, effective pre-to-post award handover; negotiation and agreement of research contracts and research-related agreements; renegotiation of awards with funders where required; accurate reporting of research applications and awards in Worktribe; due diligence of external collaborators; grant transfers from national and international universities.
* Be responsible for the delivery of a defined portfolio of research grants and/or contracts work as defined with the Head of Research Operations (Medicine and Health).
* Contribute to the development, evaluation and review of the area’s research delivery plans and manage prioritisation of support.
* Participate in University and College-level fora on strategies for research and ensure alignment with the wider University research strategy.
* Lead the team to provide proactive and timely support for research proposals, adding value to applications and developing systems, procedures, and guidelines for submission to multiple funders.
* Provide leadership on risk management of grant and contract activity and ensure a high-quality research contracts service to academics, with timely progression of all agreements.
* Support funder relationship management and development of strategic links with key funders, including funder visits and briefing documents.
* Provide specialist advice for applicants regarding grants and contracts based on funder expectations, eligibility, terms and conditions, and deadlines.
* Support the full application and tender submission process, including budgeting, drafting non-specialist sections, internal peer review, and coordinating approvals and submissions.
* Work with leadership to address major bid development, tendering strategies, negotiations, budgeting, governance, due diligence, and ethics processes.
* Collaborate to develop a strong, inclusive research support community and support staff development through the University’s career pathways.
* Produce high quality written papers and presentations for internal and external audiences on topics related to the role.
* Establish good working relations and coordination between research areas and other University activities and teams.
* Lead on the design, development, maintenance, evaluation, and improvement of processes, guidance, and best practices around research support.
* Actively manage equality, diversity and inclusion and challenge unacceptable behaviour.
* Any other duties commensurate with the grade.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
* Educated to degree level (or equivalent qualifications) with significant relevant practical experience; where no equivalent qualification is held, substantial practical experience and expertise will be required.
* Strong literacy and numeracy with ability to write clearly for various audiences and to analyse data.
* Experience of providing senior practitioner support on complex issues relating to research support, including facilitation, budgeting, contracting, collaboration, and project delivery.
* Authoritative knowledge of the UK and/or overseas research funding environment and sector awareness.
* Experience leading development of major research grants and contracts.
* Experience engaging with internal and external stakeholders and leading teams.
* Excellent interpersonal and management skills, with ability to motivate and manage teams and to engage with non-direct reports.
* Strong analytical skills to interpret and present complex information clearly.
* Judgement and problem-solving skills to identify improvements and efficiencies.
* Excellent communication and negotiation skills with a range of stakeholders.
* Proficient IT skills including MS Office and corporate systems such as Worktribe or Tableau; able to learn new software quickly.
* Self-motivated with accountability and ability to plan and deliver to deadlines under pressure.
* Experience championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and monitoring compliance with related policies.
* Ability to identify issues affecting protected groups and take appropriate action.
Role context
Roles at this level provide authoritative professional advice and may lead diverse teams and resources. You will resolve problems where solutions are not immediately apparent, requiring evaluation and independent thought. You will influence policy through advising on impact and implementation in your area, and assess the impact of activities across your area and beyond to align with University objectives.
Core Competencies / Transferable Skills
Working at this level, you will develop core competencies in planning and organising, problem solving and decision making, organisational understanding, and relationships and communication. You will be expected to take ownership, be flexible, and contribute to strategic development and service quality.
Contacts
Informal enquiries to Sam Hickman, s.j.hickman@bham.ac.uk
View our staff values and behaviours on our website. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations, and sustainability.
We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ University of Birmingham staff member and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.
United Kingdom: Birmingham, England; other locations mentioned are for indicative job postings.
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