Brussels Office Manager in Birmingham

Position Details

Research Strategy and Services Division

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Grade: 8

Full time, Permanent

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression once in post to £63,606

Closing date: 14th May 2026

UK and International travel may be required for this role

Role Summary

We now seek an experienced Research Development professional to lead our Brussels Office as part of our wide EU Funding & Partnership Strategy. Based in Edgbaston but with regular presence in Brussels, the role holder will connect our researchers with funders and partners in the region, working closely with the RSSD’s Research Development and Business Engagement teams. They will quickly establish themselves as a source of EU information, contacts and intelligence, ensuring that our researchers are well positioned to access funding and consortia building opportunities. The role holder will develop and sustain their own strategic network of contacts across EU institutions and industry stakeholders, fostering new collaborations and securing access to funding opportunities through EU framework programmes and direct industry partnerships.

Main Duties

• Play a leading role in delivering the University of Birmingham’s EU Research & Innovation Strategy, contributing directly to increased European research collaborations, Horizon Europe applications and awards, and the strengthening of the University’s research profile across Europe.
• Develop a detailed understanding of the University’s major research strengths and emerging areas of excellence, working closely with the RSSD Research Development teams and Academic Leaders, to identify where EU partnerships and funding opportunities offer strong strategic potential, and develop forward looking action plans for each.
• Proactively identify and cultivate opportunities for European collaboration by building relationships with EU institutions, funders, research organisations, industry partners and policy stakeholders.
• Lead the development of a programme of strategic engagement activity in Brussels, including at least four high-profile events per year aligned to key thematic areas where EU priorities and University of Birmingham research strengths intersect.
• Support the development of Horizon Europe and other EU programme bids by facilitating partner collaboration, supporting consortium development, and contributing to negotiation of partnership structures and key contractual terms in close collaboration with RSSD colleagues.
• Maintain active intelligence gathering on EU research policy, funding priorities and partnership developments, translating this intelligence into actionable opportunities for University researchers.
• Act as Secretary to the University’s EU Research & Innovation Board, developing agendas, preparing papers and recording minutes, and ensuring the effective coordination of the University’s EU research strategy.
• Bring creativity and initiative to the role by developing new approaches to strengthening engagement between University researchers and European partners, including thematic initiatives, partnership development programmes and collaborative networking opportunities.
• Assist with the running of the Brussels Office ensuring a connected and welcoming environment for staff and guests, including joint planning with the Head of Research & Development (EU) and the International Research Development Manager, to deliver effective use of the Office and available meeting rooms for staff and guests, ensuring compliance with office contractual obligations and being an active and positive member of the community and delivering general office management duties such as hosting, liaison and procurement as required.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications) plus significant relevant practical experience – where no equivalent qualification is held substantial practical relevant experience and expertise in a series of progressively more demanding roles will be required.
• Understanding and experience of European framework and funding programmes, including familiarity of Pillar II and Pillar III funding calls, and the ability to navigate and guide others through complex funding calls with EU member and no-member state partners.
• Strong networking, diplomacy and consortia building skills.
• Knowledge of project lifecycle management, proposal writing, technology and knowledge transfer and innovation ecosystems.
• Excellent communication and dissemination skills, specifically in translating complex research ideas into accessible information for a range of audiences. Ideal skill to proficiently achieve this in English plus a European language.
• Experience with European funding policy development in terms of understanding timelines for action, ability to action and translating potential policy to reactive action within funding criteria and guidance.
• Evidence of literacy and numeracy, with the ability to write clearly for a variety of audiences, and to produce and analyse source material, information and data.
• Authoritative knowledge of the work practices, processes and procedures relevant to the role, including broader sector/commercial awareness.
• Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate the extent to which equality and diversity legislation, policies, procedures are applied.
• Ability to identify issues with the potential to impact on protected groups and take appropriate action.

Contact

Informal enquiries to Eleonore Dispersyn‑Nievergelt, email: e.dispersyn-nievergelt@bham.ac.uk