Head of Research And Development

Join to apply for the Head of Research And Development role at Heriot-Watt University.

Base pay range: Grade 9 (£57,422 - £68,529), plus 33 days of annual leave and 9 buildings closed days. A pension option with HWU contributing 14.5% of annual salary.

Contract Type: Open-ended. FTE and working pattern: 1.0 FTE. Heriot-Watt University operates a Global Connected Hybrid Working Policy that enables hybrid working.

Purpose of Role

The purpose of the Head of Research and Researcher Development role is to lead and manage the Research and Researcher Development team within the Research Engagement Directorate. This role is crucial for advancing the university's research strategy and supporting the development of researchers.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Service Delivery: Documenting and maintaining the services provided, especially those delivered in partnership with other professional services. Setting and maintaining high service standards for both internal and external customers. Identifying and implementing opportunities to use digital tools and data insights to deliver service efficiencies.
• Complex Communication: Handling a variety of complex written and verbal communications, tailored to different audiences both within and outside the university.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Regular communication with senior stakeholders, direct reports, academic colleagues, finance teams, external funders, and high-level external stakeholders.
• Relationship Building: Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with internal teams, senior academics, researchers, and external partners.
• Networking: Representing the university in various networks and committees to help influence policy and funding decisions beneficial to the university.

• Managing Resources: Leading the development and implementation of long-term and annual operating plans for the team. Planning and delegating work to team members, organizing events, and overseeing strategic projects.
• Team Development: Ensuring the team is well-supported, trained, and developed to meet the evolving needs of the university.

• Change Management: Ensuring that changes to services are managed in a well-structured and agile way. Developing and communicating compelling cases for business change.

Person Specification

• Educated to first degree level or equivalent or equivalent practical experience in the workplace.
• Experience of service and process improvement through use of digital tools and data insights.
• Demonstrable experience of managing resources, workloads and changing priorities for self and others in a fast-paced environment.
• Relevant experience in research management and development within a higher education or research-intensive environment.
• Skilled in developing and maintaining positive working relationships with internal and external customers, peers, stakeholders and others.
• Ability to analyse data and provide strategic advice.
• Excellent communication, influencing and interpersonal skills.

About our School/Directorate and Team

The Research Engagement Directorate (RED) provides high quality support for the Heriot-Watt research community across three divisions: Research and Researcher Development, Legal, and Policy, Strategy and Impact.

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV. Applications can be submitted until midnight on the 13th July 2025.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.