Research Manager

About CIBSE

CIBSE (the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) is the professional body that exists to advance and promote the art, science and practice of building services engineering, to invest in education and research, and to support our community of built environment professionals in their pursuit of excellence. It supports building services engineers throughout their careers by setting standards, accrediting education and influencing industry and policy.

About the Role

The Research Manager at CIBSE plays a central role in shaping and delivering the Institution’s research agenda to support safe, sustainable and high‑performing buildings. The role involves identifying industry research needs, commissioning and managing collaborative research projects, and ensuring outputs are technically robust, impartial and aligned with CIBSE guidance, policy priorities and member needs. The Research Manager works closely with academic partners, industry experts, committees and external funders, translating research findings into practical guidance, knowledge resources and evidence that inform standards, regulation and best practice across the built environment.

What You Will Do

• Develop and maintain CIBSE’s research agenda and manage the CIBSE Research Fund and the delivery of research outputs.
• Serve as the industry supervisor to CIBSE‑sponsored PhD researchers, post‑doctoral researchers and Knowledge Transfer Partnership associates, and line‑manage the Environmental Data Scientist.
• Identify and develop opportunities for specific research projects, working with CIBSE colleagues, members, external bodies, stakeholders, academia, funding bodies and government as appropriate.
• Coordinate CIBSE research activities, including identifying funding and co‑funding opportunities for new research projects.
• Provide technical input to CIBSE’s Knowledge Team in developing CIBSE guidance and tools.
• Liaise with CIBSE Special Interest Groups and Societies and update them on CIBSE’s research activities and priorities.
• Provide technical input to Knowledge, Training & Events, Membership and Certification teams, including developing new products and service ideas.
• Provide content on CIBSE’s research activities and outputs to the Marketing department, for media communications, and to the CIBSE Journal.
• Work with the Knowledge Management Committee and Knowledge Generation Panel to identify gaps in CIBSE knowledge and develop research proposals to fill such gaps.
• Represent CIBSE through external speaking, senior stakeholder meetings and engagement.
• Lead the development of CIBSE’s Technical Symposium programme.
• Liaise and collaborate with international partners to coordinate guidance that supports their own ambitions to improve standards in building safety and sustainability.
• Undertake any other duties required by the Technical Director.

Management, Compliance & Personal Effectiveness

• Play a critical role in supporting a high‑performing technical team, focusing on the development of CIBSE technical guidance and standards.
• Support the Management and Senior Leadership Team, inform decision making and oversee resource management in technical research work.
• Take responsibility for health and safety in line with CIBSE H&S policy and ensure compliance with internal procedures and external legal requirements.
• Take responsibility for personal development, maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge and skills to meet work objectives.

General Expectations

• Show respect to colleagues, external partners and stakeholders, adhere to CIBSE’s Equal Opportunity policy, Staff Standards of Conduct and organisational capabilities.
• Work collegially and support all teams the post has contact with, and perform any duties commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility.

Essential Requirements

• A relevant engineering or science postgraduate degree.
• Experience working in or undertaking research relevant to the built environment sector.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to an advanced level, including presenting complex issues clearly.
• Strong analytical skills and intellectual rigour.
• Ability to use judgement and make decisions on complex issues.
• Ability to work to deadlines and prioritise workload under pressure.
• Proactive and self‑motivated.
• Ability to work effectively in a dispersed team.
• Ability to engage with CIBSE members and represent the organisation professionally, using judgement, tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and stakeholders to deliver high‑quality research outcomes.

Desirable Qualifications

• Academic experience at PhD level.
• Understanding of global sustainability issues such as climate change adaptation, net‑zero targets, circular economy, resource efficiency.
• Experience in a membership organisation, building consensus on difficult or contentious issues.
• Awareness of built‑environment related policy and trends.
• Project management experience.
• Experience in writing technical content.
• Experience in managing staff.

What CIBSE Offers You

• A supportive and friendly working environment.
• Starting at 25 days Annual Leave, increasing to 27 days with length of service, plus Bank Holidays.
• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Family‑Friendly Leave.
• Three paid volunteering days per year.
• Annual Travel Season Ticket Loan.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Life Assurance.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Cash Plan – cash back for routine healthcare treatments.
• Health and Wellbeing benefits, including Mental Health support and access to a 24/7 GP service.
• Shopping portal, rewards programme and gym discounts.
• Referral Scheme.
• Hybrid Working where people are in the office more days than they are not.
• The chance to be part of an evolving, changing and exciting organisation that genuinely does change the world.

Application Process

To apply for this role, please include your CV and a cover letter outlining how you feel you would be a great fit for the role.

Closing Date

The deadline for all applications is 10 am, Monday, 12 January 2026. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive sufficient applications.

Pay Range

57,000 – 57,000 GBP per year (Head Office). Seniority level Mid‑Senior level. Employment type Full‑time. Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology. The Institution is an equal opportunities employer. The post‑holder will be expected to adhere to and support the Institution’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.