Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of impactful research funding applications and support multi-disciplinary collaboration.
- Company: Birmingham City University, committed to equality, diversity, and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in research while enhancing your skills and career prospects.
- Qualifications: Experience in research funding applications and team leadership.
- Other info: Join a Top 100 Employer for LGBT+ inclusion with excellent growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 44131 - 51182 ÂŁ per year.
Department: Research and Innovation Gateway
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Salary: ÂŁ44,131 to ÂŁ51,182 per annum
Post type: Full Time, Permanent
Release date: 11 November 2025
Closing date: 23:59 GMT on Friday 28 November 2025
Reference: R125001
The full‑time starting salary is normally £44,131.00 per annum, with progression available in post to £51,182.00 per annum. Grade: G Full Time, Permanent.
The Research & Innovation Gateway (RIG) team is one of a number of key operational teams that constitute the Research Office professional services department. Our aim is to ensure there are robust arrangements to pursue and support high‑quality, impactful research, and to enhance BCU’s reputation for research regionally, nationally, and globally.
The primary function of RIG is to provide cross‑University support for the development and delivery of externally‑funded research and innovation projects, working in partnership with research‑active staff, as well as with senior academic and research leaders in the university’s new Schools and Departments.
Responsible for line management of a small team, the Senior Research Development Manager (SRDM) post will primarily be focussed on pre‑award support for development of research funding applications in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines. The SRDM is responsible for coordinating, facilitating and enabling all aspects of the development of strategic research grant activity with a specific disciplinary focus, but working with other SRDMs and their teams across all Schools and Departments to foster multi‑disciplinary collaboration.
This includes supporting improvements in research culture and environment in addition to enhancing and diversifying research income. Critical to the University’s Research Strategy, the SRDM will play a leading role in ensuring that the University maximises its research income from a range of funders and funding programmes.
They will lead in identifying and developing new funding opportunities to ensure a comprehensive pipeline is maintained in terms of the number, value and diversity of our research income streams and projects. They will facilitate the development and submission of high‑quality applications and provide expert advice at the pre‑award stage to key staff across the university and external collaborators as required.
The post‑holder will be responsible for or contribute to the development and implementation of the internal process for competitive funding calls, sending out calls, filtering expressions of interest, arranging and servicing selection panel meetings, communicating outcomes to applicants, and providing leadership and support to their team in all areas of pre‑award activity.
The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to enter the LGPS scheme will be able to do so and will be employed by Birmingham City University directly.
Employment Rights and Equity Statement
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, continuously reviewing and improving our policies, practices and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.
We hold an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our commitment to improving employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We are, and remain, a Mindful Employer, committed to supporting the mental health and well‑being of our staff, and have signed up to the Mental Health Charter led by the student mental health charity Student Minds.
We are also a proud member of the Race Equality Charter and the Disability Confident scheme, and actively work to remove institutional barriers that staff and students from all backgrounds may face. BCU is a Top 100 Employer 2023 for LGBT+ inclusion, and we continually strive to create an inclusive work environment for all.
Senior Research Development Manager in Birmingham employer: BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY
Contact Detail:
BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Development Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at BCU through LinkedIn or professional groups. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in research funding, especially in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but a thought leader in your field!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with BCU’s goals. We want to see how you can enhance our research culture and income streams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow our process!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Development Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Senior Research Development Manager role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of enhancing research quality and impact.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your previous successes in managing research funding applications. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've led projects or teams, especially in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to follow and free from jargon. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY
✨Know Your Research Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the current research trends in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Familiarise yourself with recent funding opportunities and successful projects at the university. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also demonstrate your understanding of the role's impact on the university's research strategy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Research Development Manager, you'll be leading a small team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and improve research culture, as this aligns with the university's goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think of scenarios where you had to identify new funding opportunities or enhance research income. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes, showcasing your ability to think critically and act decisively.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Given the university's strong focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these values. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been part of that promote an inclusive research environment, demonstrating that you align with the university's ethos.