Our work includes account management, financial claims and reporting, invoicing and debt management, due diligence, audit and assurance, compliance advice, project closure and support for complex or strategically important awards. By combining specialist funder knowledge with a strong understanding of King's financial procedures, we help researchers focus on delivering high-quality research while ensuring that funding is managed responsibly and in line with institutional and funder requirements.
The Post-Award service is developing a more proactive, risk-based and resilient approach to award management, with a strong emphasis on service quality, consistent ways of working, appropriate controls, data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement. The Research Grants Manager will lead a centrally based team and work collaboratively across Post-Award to strengthen assurance, improve the customer experience and respond flexibly to changing operational priorities.
You will join a knowledgeable and collaborative community that values practical problem-solving, shared expertise and constructive relationships with academic and professional services colleagues. The role reports directly to the Deputy Director of Post-Award and will contribute to the wider Post-Award leadership team and service improvement agenda.
About the role
The Research Grants Manager provides operational leadership for service quality, assurance, continuous improvement and specialist Post-Award support functions. Working alongside the Post-Award Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will lead the horizontal support team and ensure effective delivery of due diligence, strategic award support, consultancy administration and flexible operational support across the Post-Award service.
The role combines operational leadership with responsibility for service development and support delivery of the Post-Award service improvement agenda. The postholder will coordinate and implement improvement initiatives, ensuring agreed priorities are translated into sustainable operational practices and measurable service improvements.
The postholder will oversee specialist support for complex, high-risk and strategically important awards and lead the ongoing development of risk-based lifecycle management approaches. They will ensure resources are deployed effectively to address operational priorities, strengthen assurance activity and maintain service continuity across faculties.
This is a full time post, offered on an indefinite contract.
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
To be successful in this role, you will bring the following experience, skills and capabilities:
- Substantial experience of managing research grants and contracts within a complex research environment, together with a strong understanding of Post-Award grant management, funder requirements and associated regulatory obligations.
- Demonstrable experience of leading service improvement, process redesign or operational change initiatives that have delivered measurable improvements in service quality, efficiency, consistency or customer experience.
- Experience of developing, implementing and monitoring operational procedures, controls, performance measures and quality assurance activities within a complex operational environment.
- Experience of managing, motivating and developing staff, including objective setting, performance management and support for professional development.
- Strong analytical skills, with experience of interpreting complex operational or financial information, identifying trends and risks, and using data to support decision-making and service improvement.
- Experience of managing or supporting complex, high-risk or strategically important research awards, including identifying and mitigating financial, compliance and operational risks.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships and influence colleagues across academic and professional services environments.
- Demonstrable ability to plan, prioritise and manage multiple competing priorities, delivering high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced and changing environment.
This is an exciting opportunity to join King's College London as a Grade 7 Research Grants Manager within the Post-Award unit, part of Research Grants & Contracts in the Research Management & Innovation Directorate.
Post-Award provides professional service and expert knowledge to King's research community. The unit supports the effective financial and operational management of a large and diverse portfolio of research grants, contracts, consultancy and related awards, working with researchers, Faculties, professional services colleagues and external funders throughout the active award lifecycle., We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.
We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Grants Manager in City of Westminster employer: King's College London
At King’s College London, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages professional development. Located in the heart of London, our institution offers unique advantages such as access to world-class resources and a vibrant community dedicated to advancing research and education.
