At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in research support, driving innovative projects and collaboration.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a leading global institution with over 100 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days holiday, flexible working, and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community with excellent transport links and state-of-the-art facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in research operations while fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or extensive experience in a complex organisation with managerial expertise.
The predicted salary is between 58225 - 67468 £ per year.
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £58,225 to £67,468 with potential progression once in post to £87,974
Grade: 9
Full Time, Permanent
Closing date: 30th June 2026
The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success.
We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector-leading Birmingham Professional programme which provides all professional services staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential. With almost 5,000 professional services jobs in a wide range of functions in Edgbaston and in our campus in Dubai, there are plenty of opportunities for you to be able to develop your career at the University.
We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work.
Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working. In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. We also have three high quality subsidised day nurseries.
The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus, including main bus routes and a train station on site. On campus we have a state-of-the-art sports centre with pool, shops, places to eat and drink, our own art gallery, museum and botanical gardens.
Background
The University has a bold vision to build upon the success of REF2021 by continuing to enhance research performance across awards, outputs, income, and impact. At the core of this endeavour lies the Research Strategy & Services Division (RSSD), a newly established department focused on catalysing the University’s Birmingham 2030 research ambitions.
The Head of Research Operations (College of Medicine & Health) is a pivotal role within the RSSD, responsible for leading a CMH research support function, working in close collaboration with the wider Division and academic and Professional Services colleagues in the College. Reporting to the Assistant Director RSSD, the Head of Research Operations will lead a team of expert practitioners that deliver a portfolio of research support activities, including research development & facilitation, proposal drafting, budget preparation, compliance, and contracts negotiation.
The successful candidate will provide visible and proactive leadership, ensuring regular face-to-face engagement to build trust, foster collaboration, and offer hands-on support to team members. They will create an environment where individuals feel valued and empowered, balancing strategic oversight with day-to-day guidance. Being present and accessible, the leader will strengthen team cohesion and drive performance. In addition, they will develop strong internal and external networks across the University and beyond, positioning the team as a trusted partner in delivering high-quality research support.
Main Duties
- Lead a Research Support Team of approximately 25 research support professionals to effectively manage and agree prioritisation of workload across all aspects of pre-award research support.
- Ensure timely monitoring and reporting to senior colleagues in RSSD and the College of key performance indicators including grant applications, awards, contribution, success rates and contracts clearance levels.
- Develop and lead innovations in research support that seek to enhance these measures and ensure that the impact of service innovations is clearly understood.
- As a contracts signatory for the University, ensure that there is a clear negotiating framework for all research and research-related contracts.
- Develop strong external networks across the Russell Group, professional bodies and wider sector to ensure the delivery of best practice at Birmingham.
- Be responsible for HR matters within the team, leading and developing staff and ensuring that the recruitment, development and retention of highly capable staff is supported by clear development/career plans.
- Act as an ambassador for the University, upholding and promoting the University’s values and interests.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
- Educated to Degree level (or equivalent level qualifications), or extensive experience of working in a complex organisation plus substantial relevant managerial experience.
- Experience of drafting and reviewing complex research agreements using a pragmatic and risk-based approach.
- Ability to exercise a substantial degree of independent professional responsibility and discretion.
- Strong knowledge of, and interest in, national and international research policy and operations.
- Significant experience of providing senior practitioner support to complex issues relating to research contracts, compliance with funders terms, trusted research, research governance, research culture.
- Excellent literacy and numeracy, with the ability to write for different audiences and for different purposes.
We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Head of Research Operations - Research Strategy and Services - 100823 - Grade 9 in Birmingham employer: The University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the development and well-being of its staff. With a commitment to professional growth through the Birmingham Professional programme, generous benefits including 40 days of paid holiday, and a supportive environment in the picturesque Edgbaston area, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to impactful research initiatives.
Contact Details:
The University of Birmingham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Research Operations - Research Strategy and Services - 100823 - Grade 9 in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in your field. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the University of Birmingham and its research strategy. Understand their goals and how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you can foster collaboration within teams, as this is key for the Head of Research Operations role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research Operations - Research Strategy and Services - 100823 - Grade 9 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your unique style and experiences. Authenticity is key!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Head of Research Operations role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description. Show us why you're the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your accomplishments! Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made an impact in previous roles. We love to see results and success stories!
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the University of Birmingham's research strategy and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their goals for 2030 and how your experience aligns with their vision. This shows genuine interest and helps you articulate how you can contribute to their ambitions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Research Operations, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead diverse teams, foster collaboration, and drive performance. Be ready to discuss how you create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of specific scenarios from your past experiences where you successfully navigated complex research agreements or led a team through significant changes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Network and Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in developing strong internal and external networks. Discuss how you've built relationships with stakeholders, funders, and collaborators in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to position the team as a trusted partner in delivering high-quality research support.
