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- Tasks: Lead and optimise research change delivery across the University of Manchester.
- Company: Join one of the world's most influential universities, renowned for innovation and social impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to ÂŁ110,000 plus USS Pension and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on research by shaping strategic change in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in portfolio or change leadership within a research-driven sector.
- Other info: Engage with diverse stakeholders and lead a high-performing team for impactful outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 79200 - 110000 ÂŁ per year.
This is a critical portfolio and change leadership role that will coordinate and optimise the delivery of research-facing change across the University in alignment with the Manchester 2035 strategic vision. As a senior leader within Research and Business Engagement, and a key partner to the Strategic Change Office and the Research Infrastructure Strategy Group (RISG), you will lead the strategic coordination, integration, and optimisation of the University’s research infrastructure—spanning physical, digital, and human assets. This will include shaping key aspects of governance, delivery operating models and project standards. You will develop a coherent, structured approach to prioritisation and build a delivery capability that accelerates outcomes for Manchester’s researchers, improves consistency and transparency of change output and integrates research-facing capabilities with enterprise-wide technology and change.
The University of Manchester is one of the world’s most influential universities, renowned for world-class research, innovation and social impact. Home to 26 Nobel Prize winners and breakthroughs from the modern computer to graphene, the University ranks highly both in the UK and globally and serves a diverse community of researchers, students and professional staff.
You will lead the consistent, repeatable and efficient delivery of research-facing change across a broad and diverse range of enabling services. Working in partnership with an executive team comprising academic and technical experts, you will establish a shared delivery framework, common governance and a clear prioritisation mechanism for how, and why, we deliver change to Manchester’s research population.
You will play a key role in the creation and marshalling of demand and be a credible figurehead for research change at Manchester. You will proactively engage across our diverse and complex stakeholder community to build positive peer-to-peer relationships, both in research and across the wider University landscape at all levels.
You will lead the proactive management of resources within the RISG portfolio. You will create a high-performing, professional, blended team of matrix resource drawing on specialist research technology or research administration professionals but also calling on the University’s deep pool of enterprise change professionals as needed. You will also establish a structured framework for research change, whilst also recognising the unique and specialised nature of research environments.
A proven portfolio, programme or change leader, with a background in a research-driven sector, you will have demonstrable experience delivering complex, multi-stakeholder programmes of technology-enabled business change. Energetic, pro-active and politically astute yet possessing the gravitas and intellectual horsepower to engage, credibly, with a diverse and challenging academic research and professional services stakeholder group. You will bring clear experience demonstrating the value of crafting structured and prioritised portfolios of business change aligned with organisational objectives.
Outcomes-driven and focused, you will be an inspiring leader with the ability to help teams improve, adopt structure and best practice in project methodology, without becoming dogmatic. You will have a track record of working across boundaries and enthusing traditional project delivery teams. You should also have experience balancing a clear vision for change with flexibility, coupled with a laser focus on delivering measurable benefits for researchers.
Director of Portfolio - Research Enablement in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
Contact Detail:
The University of Manchester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Portfolio - Research Enablement in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the research and academic sectors. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to get your name out there. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at the University of Manchester!
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready for those interviews! Research the University’s strategic vision and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Prepare some solid examples of how you've led change in complex environments—this will show them you’re the right fit for the Director of Portfolio role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight how you inspire teams and drive results. They’ll want to see that you can lead a high-performing team while keeping everyone motivated and focused on delivering impactful change.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity and keen to be part of the University of Manchester’s exciting journey towards 2035.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Portfolio - Research Enablement in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading change and managing complex programmes. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Director of Portfolio - Research Enablement.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to inspire teams and manage diverse stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can engage credibly with both academic and professional services, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Be Outcomes-Driven: Demonstrate your focus on delivering measurable benefits in your previous roles. We love candidates who can show how their efforts have led to tangible improvements, especially in research environments.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Understand the Strategic Vision
Familiarise yourself with the Manchester 2035 strategic vision and how it aligns with the role. Be ready to discuss how your experience can contribute to this vision, particularly in optimising research infrastructure.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder programmes. Highlight your experience in building high-performing teams and how you've successfully managed resources in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach building relationships with diverse stakeholders. Be prepared to share strategies for engaging with both academic and professional services staff, showcasing your political astuteness and communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Outcomes-Driven Focus
Be ready to discuss specific outcomes from your past projects. Show how you balance a clear vision for change with flexibility, and provide examples of measurable benefits you've delivered for researchers or similar groups.