Research Finance Manager - Doctoral Training Grants (Maternity Cover)

We are seeking a Research Finance Manager - Doctoral Training Grants (DTG) to lead the financial management and post‑award administration of UCL's UKRI Doctoral Training portfolio. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced research finance professional to oversee a specialist team delivering a high‑quality post‑award management service to the academic community and external funders.

The role manages a team of three Research Finance Officers and is responsible for ensuring that financial administration, reconciliations, claims and reporting activities are delivered accurately, compliantly and within funder deadlines. You will act as a key source of expertise on UKRI Doctoral Training Grants, advising stakeholders across UCL on financial management, compliance, funder terms and conditions, audit requirements and operational best practice. The role also works closely with Academic Departments, Faculties, the Doctoral School, DTP Governance Boards and external funders to support effective partnership working and continuous service improvement.

Alongside operational delivery, the postholder will contribute to the development of processes, systems and procedures that support a resilient and high‑performing service. You will also play an important role in supporting audits, implementing process improvements and ensuring the ongoing professional development of the wider team. This role is based at Bidborough House, Bloomsbury Campus, and is offered as a c.12‑month Fixed Term Contract to cover maternity leave. The role is also available as a Fixed‑Term Contract or as a secondment for internal staff.

You will bring substantial experience of post‑award research finance administration, with strong knowledge of UKRI Doctoral Training Grants, funder terms and conditions, financial processes and compliance requirements. You will have experience managing and developing staff, alongside the ability to oversee complex and often competing priorities within a fast‑paced environment. You will have excellent analytical and reconciliation skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information clearly to a wide range of stakeholders.

You will be confident building effective relationships across large and complex organisations and able to provide credible advice to colleagues at all levels. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a proactive and solutions‑focused approach, with experience of developing and improving processes and procedures to support service excellence and continuous improvement. Strong communication skills, customer focus and a collaborative approach are essential. Experience working with auditors and knowledge of Oracle Grants and/or Worktribe would be advantageous.

What we offer:

• 41 days holiday (including 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On‑site nursery
• On‑site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.