At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage research projects and collaborate with academic leaders and partners.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at Saïd Business School, part of Oxford University.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days holiday, pension scheme, and subsidised catering.
- Why this job: Shape impactful research initiatives and lead a small team in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex projects and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equity and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 49119 - 58265 £ per year.
Grade 8: £49,119 - £58,265 per annum including the Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per annum. Fixed-term (to 30 November 2030), full time (37.5 hours per week).
Saïd Business School is seeking a motivated and approachable Senior Research Portfolio Manager to join our Research Office. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in supporting and shaping the School’s research and engagement activities.
Working within a developing matrix structure, you will manage a portfolio of research centres, initiatives and projects—including the newly established Oxford-UBS Centre for Applied AI. You will collaborate closely with academic leaders, external partners and professional services teams to ensure projects are delivered effectively, on time and to the highest standards.
Key responsibilities:
- Line manage and support a small team of administrators.
- Plan, coordinate and deliver complex research projects and events.
- Track progress, manage priorities and ensure timely reporting.
- Monitor budgets, prepare reports and support audits.
- Oversee consistent, high-quality communications across projects.
You will have strong analytical and reasoning abilities and have substantial experience managing complex, high-value or multi-stakeholder projects involving external partners and governance structures. You will demonstrate proven leadership and management skills, alongside experience in budget management and financial compliance.
At Saïd Business School we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Join us to build a brighter, more equitable future, where we celebrate diversity, advance equity, and nurture inclusion across everything we do.
We offer very generous benefits, some of which are:
- Generous holiday allowance of 38 days including bank holidays.
- Membership of the Oxford staff pension scheme.
- Discounted bus travel.
- Subsidised onsite catering.
- Plus, many other University benefits.
All applications must include a CV, Supporting Statement/Cover Letter and Current Salary.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 15 April noon. Interviews will likely take place in the week commencing 20 April 2026. Please note, this vacancy may close earlier than advertised if we receive a high number of suitable applications.
Senior Research Portfolio Manager employer: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Portfolio Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in academia and research. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities at Saïd Business School. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the latest projects at the Oxford-UBS Centre for Applied AI. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely excited about what we do and how you can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience managing complex projects and leading teams. We want to hear how you've tackled challenges and delivered results, so make sure you’ve got some solid examples up your sleeve.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team at Saïd Business School.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Portfolio Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Research Portfolio Manager role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in managing complex projects and budgets, as this will catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role and how your skills align with our needs at Saïd Business School.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone with proven leadership abilities. Be sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the research projects and initiatives at Saïd Business School. Familiarise yourself with the Oxford-UBS Centre for Applied AI and any other relevant centres. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and management abilities. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed teams or complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you motivate your team and ensure high-quality outcomes, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Budget Management Know-How
Since budget management is a key responsibility, brush up on your financial compliance knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience with tracking budgets and preparing reports. You might even want to bring along a sample report or two to demonstrate your skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
This role involves working closely with various stakeholders, so be ready to talk about your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated across different teams and ensured consistent messaging in past projects. This will show that you can thrive in a matrix structure.