At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop research initiatives to secure major funding for impactful projects.
- Company: Join Manchester Met, a leading university dedicated to research excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, professional development, and a diverse, inclusive community.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community committed to positive change and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in research while collaborating with top minds in your field.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in securing large grants and team leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Manchester Met is recognised as an outstanding modern university with excellent research that meets the demands of a rapidly changing world. Research continues to grow, develop and flourish and reinforces our status as a dual-intensive university where education and research excellence go hand in hand. Across four faculties and three Institutes we are continuing to make significant investment in areas of strength to deliver outputs that have real-world impact and enhance our global reputation.
To build on this success and demonstrate our commitment to driving grant capture growth we are recruiting two key leadership roles within the Directorate of Research & Innovation: Head of Research Development (Science & Engineering/Health) and Head of Research Development (Arts & Humanities/Business & Law/Education). Candidates are welcome to apply for both roles. Both roles are located within the Research Development Team and report to the Director of Research Development & Delivery. The Research Development Team has played a fundamental role in the University’s sustained research income growth; these posts are both exciting opportunities to drive the ongoing success of this Team.
We have been proudly driving progress for more than two centuries. As one of the UK’s largest and most popular universities, we’re a force for good, dedicated to delivering outstanding research and excellent education. Our community of over 5,100 colleagues work in close partnership every day to bring about positive change regionally, nationally, and globally. Much more than a university, we are a place where ambitious people unite as a diverse and inclusive community to make meaningful connections. Where world-class facilities combine with exceptional minds to improve lives through innovation. We welcome those who are committed, talented, and hardworking. People who believe in our values and are as driven as we are to achieve shared goals. Build a role with purpose, in an environment designed to unlock your potential. Be part of Manchester Met. Be Manchester Met proud. Let’s transform lives together.
About The Roles
- Head of Research Development (Science & Engineering/Health)
- Head of Research Development (Arts & Humanities/Business & Law/Education)
You will work closely with the Director of Research Development and Delivery to advise and support senior academic research leadership to grow the University’s large grant portfolio, providing high level support and coordination for major external research funding submissions. Postholders will work in partnership to lead, manage and develop the Research Development Manager team, focusing and prioritising research development activity and resource to large grants, aligned to the University’s areas of research strengths and associated strategic investments. Engaging with Institute Leadership and members, postholders will facilitate growth in high quality, transdisciplinary, research income.
About You
We are looking for individuals with:
- A significant track record of successful large grant capture in one or more of the University areas of research strengths: AI, Cyber and Digital; Climate, Energy and Environmental Management; Creative Arts and Cultural Studies; Education and Learning; Health and Social Care; Manufacturing and Materials; Social Inequality; Sport and Rehabilitation; Sustainable Business.
- Experience of leading and developing teams.
You will have the ability to build and engage with internal and external networks to:
- Enable high quality, high income generating, transdisciplinary grant capture.
- Develop University relationships with key funders and wider external stakeholders, to optimise and leverage intelligence, build influence and profile.
- Drive continuous service improvement and develop communities of best practice.
We are looking for evidence of the use of initiative, creativity and judgement in identifying approaches to supporting and empowering our research community to deliver successful, high quality large research funding applications. You will be a confident communicator, able to influence and persuade academic and professional services stakeholders.
Further information
To make an initial informal enquiry, please contact Vicky Holt (Director of Research Development & Delivery, Directorate of Research and Innovation) at v.holt@mmu.ac.uk. Applications must be made via our recruitment system and should include a full CV and a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how your knowledge, skills and experience match the essential criteria being sought. Please state in your covering letter which role you are applying for and please also state if you’ve applied for both roles.
Closing Date and Interviews
Closing Date – 5 June 2026. Interviews will be held in person in Manchester as follows:
- Head of Research Development (Arts & Humanities/Business & Law/Education) – Tuesday 7 July 2026
- Head of Research Development (Science & Engineering/Health) – Thursday 9 July 2026
Inclusive culture
Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support. Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups. Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.
Head of Research Development in Manchester employer: The Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the university provides numerous professional development opportunities and flexible working arrangements, ensuring that staff can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the heart of Manchester, employees benefit from world-class facilities and a diverse community dedicated to making a meaningful impact through research and education.
Contact Detail:
The Manchester Metropolitan University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Research Development in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in academia and research. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to chat about your interest in the Head of Research Development role. You never know who might have insider info or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Manchester Met's recent projects and initiatives in your field. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in driving grant capture growth. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for the role and how you plan to lead the Research Development Team. Get a friend to help you rehearse so you can deliver your ideas confidently and convincingly.
✨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 you’re serious about joining the Manchester Met community. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research Development in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role you're applying for. Highlight your relevant experience in large grant capture and how it aligns with Manchester Met's research strengths.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership role, don’t forget to emphasise your experience in leading and developing teams. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects or initiatives in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas and ensure that your passion for research development shines through.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application via our recruitment system. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Manchester Metropolitan University
✨Know Your Research Strengths
Before the interview, dive deep into Manchester Met's key research areas like AI, Climate Management, and Health. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these strengths and how you can contribute to their growth in large grant capture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading and developing teams. Think about specific situations where you successfully managed a project or mentored colleagues, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead the Research Development Manager team effectively.
✨Network Like a Pro
Familiarise yourself with the key funders and external stakeholders relevant to the university's research initiatives. Be prepared to discuss how you would build and engage these networks to enhance grant capture opportunities.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice articulating your ideas clearly and persuasively. Since the role requires influencing academic and professional services stakeholders, think of ways to convey your vision for driving research development in a compelling manner.
