Grade and Salary – Grade 8 £45,585 - £56,021
FTE and Working Pattern: 35 hours weekly, permanent hybrid opportunity
Role Details:
There are two aspects to this role:
1. HWU Research and Enterprise Strategy Implementation:
Manage and develop a programme of activity to implement the Excelling in Research and Enterprise theme of Strategy 2025 on behalf of the Deputy Principal (Research and Impact) and Global Director of Research Engagement.
2. Strategic Project Management:
Strategically manage the delivery of University level strategic funding on behalf of the Deputy Principal (Research and Impact)
Competencies, Tasks and Responsibilities
1-Research and Enterprise Strategy Implementation Management
This position has an important responsibility in helping the University deliver its ambitious strategic vision (see above). The role-holder will work particularly closely with the Head of PSI, Global Director of Research Engagement, the Deputy Principal (Research & Impact) and Research Policy to:
3. Manage and monitor a complex portfolio of programme activity to implement and deliver the Research and Enterprise Strategy on behalf of the Deputy Principal (Research and Impact) and Global Director of Research Engagement, Manage the development and delivery of strategy implementation plans, liaising as appropriate with the strategy’s stakeholders within and out-with the University, including (internal) the University Senior Leadership Team, Executive Deans, Research Engagement Directorate, Business and Enterprise and (external) funding bodies, Industrial bodies, and other higher education institutions.
4. Work with the Research Policy and Information Manager to gather, analyse and present strategic level data as required by the Deputy Principal (Research and Impact) to inform strategic review and decisions by the University Senior Leadership Team.
5. Design and facilitate collaborative strategic workshops and events to support the implementation of the Research and Enterprise strategy. This will involve collaboration across HWU’s campuses, Schools, and Professional Services, as well as appropriate external bodies.
2-Strategic Project Management
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Scottish Funding Council have increasingly used institutional level awards to deliver and enable University’s to deliver programmes of strategic activity. There has been a significant increase in the number of these grants. The post-holder will manage fulfilling the requirements of these projects and ensuring fit with University’s strategic objectives.
6. Working directly with the Deputy Principal (Research & Impact) to manage University level strategic funding. This role will include leading on: Initiating and implementing appropriate project governance to ensure transparency and support decision making, risk/issue management and progress reporting. Coordinating and delivering strategic responses for new external institutional opportunities including drafting ‘Statements of intent’ and Business Cases, aligning and articulating with HWUs strategic aims. Overseeing reporting to funders for various institutional awards in adherence with appropriate deadlines.
7. Strategic activity management of HWUs UKRI Doctoral Training Partnership, Scottish Funding Council Research Excellence Grant, Research Postgraduate Account and Capital awards portfolio. The portfolio of projects at any one time can be in the region of £15M+. This will involve close liaison with the Research Grants Finance Team, School Finance and PGR Managers to ensure continued financial alignment with university strategic aims across the lifetime of the projects, and identifying, flagging and monitoring both financial and non-financial risks to the Head of Policy, Strategy & Impact and Deputy Principal (Research and Impact)
8. The role will involve close liaison with the Deputy Principal (Research and Impact), PGR managers and financial managers in Schools and Research Grants Finance
3- Other
9. Line management of the Research Excellence Officer and Strategic Projects Coordinator.
10. Lead, motivate and support all direct reports to excel in their roles; including overseeing recruitment, retention, development and performance.
11. Play a leadership role as part of the PSI management team in contributing to and supporting RED development culture for all staff. Deputise for the Head of Policy, Strategy and Impact when required, by representing RED at University level meetings or in meetings with external stakeholders.
12. Undertake ad hoc strategic projects and tasks as necessary and required by the Global Director for Research and Head of Policy, Strategy & Impact, consulting with relevant stakeholders in the University as appropriate.
Education, Knowledge & Experience
Essential
13. Education to degree standard or equivalent experience
14. Relevant experience (5 years or more) demonstrating demanding work/roles
15. Understanding of the significance of research for universities
16. Sound knowledge of research funding mechanisms in the UK, EU and Internationally
17. Excellent project management skills
18. Analytic experience to aid strategic decision making
19. Proven analytical and creative problem-solving capability with an appreciation of longer-term implications
20. Excellent communication and influencing skills which supports the development and implementation of projects.
21. Demonstrable high level of competence in commonly used IT application with the ability to learn systems quickly
Desirable
22. Formal project management qualification
23. Working in a HE Research or similar institution
24. Track record of influencing project development
About The Team:
This post will be within the Policy, Strategy & Impact Division (PSI). PSI is a Division in Research Engagement bringing together expertise in related issues to create focus on strategic developments:
25. Strategy: To build the University’s capacity to develop and deliver research and innovation strategy(ies) through intelligence gathering and external policy engagement.
26. Impact and Public Engagement: Lead the development and implementation of strategies for impact and public engagement with research.
27. Policy: To be responsible for the further integration of the research and innovation policy functions.
28. Research Excellence Framework: Provide leadership, organisation and direction for the process, policies and other arrangement for the Research Excellence Framework