Strategic Research Development Manager (Maternity Cover) in London

Strategic Research Development Manager (Maternity Cover) in London

London Temporary 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of high-value research funding proposals and shape global partnerships.
  • Company: Join a world-leading institution committed to using science for humanity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 39 days of annual leave, flexible working, and generous pension schemes.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on addressing global challenges.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in global research while collaborating with diverse teams.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing large-scale funding bids and strong project management skills.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

Strategic Research Development Manager (Maternity Cover)

The Strategic Research Development Manager will work pro-actively to convene, develop, and support multidisciplinary expertise for the development of ambitious external funding applications, in collaboration with global partners.

The role will have responsibility for supporting the development of high quality funding applications from a range of funding sources.

This is a fixed term role for 12 months.

What you would be doing

In this role, you will lead the development of high-value, cross-disciplinary research funding proposals

, helping shape impactful global partnerships.

You’ll work closely with academics across Imperial to identify major international funding opportunities, guide strategic bid development, and manage complex submissions from start to finish.

You’ll be a trusted advisor

, bringing insight, structure, and creativity to research initiatives that align with institutional priorities.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work at the heart of a collaborative, forward-thinking team driving global research excellence.

  • What we are looking for
  • Expertise in identifying and managing large-scale, international research funding bids, including multi-partner proposals over £1M.
  • Strong project management skills, supporting end-to-end proposal development across disciplines and sectors.
  • Skilled at advising academics and partners on proposal strategy, content, and submission processes.
  • Confident communicator with ability to critique and improve technical and non-technical aspects of funding applications.
  • Strategic thinker with experience aligning funding efforts to institutional goals and building research networks.
  • Proactive, collaborative, and credible advisor with strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation abilities.
  • What we can offer you
  • The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
  • Benefit from a sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
  • Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on‑site leisure facilities and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
  • Interest‑free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
  • Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
  • Further information

The role is situated in Imperial’s Global Development Lab, which brings together Imperial’s community to maximise the global impact of our world‑leading research, education and innovation, engage with the United Nations Sustainable Agenda 2030, and work with some of the most vulnerable and marginalised in societies where multiple global challenges are acutely concentrated.

The Lab is situated within the International Relations Office (IRO) – a busy, highly‑visible central unit responsible for supporting the development and delivery of the university’s international engagement with academic partners and overseas governments.

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Strategic Research Development Manager (Maternity Cover) in London employer: SONICOM

At SONICOM, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our sector-leading salary and opportunities for professional development, making this an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive in the field of mitochondrial medicine.

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Contact Details:

SONICOM Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic Research Development Manager (Maternity Cover) in London

Tap into Consulting Networks

Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like SONICOM. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!

Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time

As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!

Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards

Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at SONICOM.

Leverage University and Alumni Resources

If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at SONICOM.

We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Research Development Manager (Maternity Cover) in London

Research Funding Expertise
Project Management
Proposal Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Thinking
Collaboration Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!

Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.

Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at SONICOM and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.

Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.

How to prepare for a job interview at SONICOM

Prepare for Case Studies

In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like SONICOM will want to see.

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to SONICOM.

Highlight Your Adaptability

Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at SONICOM.

Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit

Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at SONICOM. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.