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- Tasks: Lead and manage the strategic direction of a digital funding platform.
- Company: Join UK Research and Innovation, a key player in UK research with a £6 billion budget.
- Benefits: Enjoy a defined benefit pension scheme, generous holiday entitlement, and more perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team impacting research and innovation across the UK.
- Qualifications: Extensive management experience in grants delivery or digital services is essential.
- Other info: This role requires security screening; apply online with your CV and cover letter.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 77000 £ per year.
UK Research and Innovation
Salary: £68,525
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Open Ended.
Location: Polaris House, Swindon
Closing date: Sunday 30th March
About Us
Operating across the whole of the UK with a combined budget of more than 6 billion, UK Research and Innovation brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, and a vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Job Purpose
The Associate Director, Funding Service is responsible for leading and managing the strategic direction, function and performance of the digital platform (known as ‘TFS’) in conjunction with funding policy, operations and processes to deliver high quality and large-scale grant delivery. The role holder balances service performance with continuous improvement, ensuring that the Funding Service can meet current and future user and business needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership
- Own, execute and drive the strategic vision and direction for the Funding Service with a focus on the digital platform – TFS - on behalf of the Service Owner.
- Co-develop the strategic vision as part of the Funding Service Delivery Authority Senior management team.
- Lead major change initiatives and ensure alignment with UKRI's overall goals and objectives.
- Make decisions to maintain optimum service performance.
- Ensure the Digital Service is compliant with legislation and Digital Cabinet Office standards.
- Management and Operations
- Own and drive the TFS Roadmap on behalf of the Service Owner.
- Manage direct and indirect delivery teams to meet service delivery commitments.
- Collaborate with the Service Operations function to develop and input to process for delivery of the Funding Service.
- Oversee and be accountable for the risk and assurance aspects of the service.
- Track and monitor service performance across the end-to-end service.
- Policy Development
- Collaborate with Funding Policy to develop complex policies and legislation.
- External Communications
- Manage relationships with government bodies and external user bodies.
- Negotiate and represent UKRI in high-level discussions.
- Internal Communications
- Engage with internal stakeholders to communicate the vision for the Funding Service.
- Oversee and direct special interest groups as identified.
- Team Leadership
- Lead teams of digital delivery, user centred design specialists and technical experts.
- Ensure the quality of service and provide expert advice on complex matters.
- Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Resolve complex problems through creative thinking.
- Assess risks and implications of various courses of action.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Extensive management experience in grants delivery, digital services delivery or product management.
- Strong subject matter expertise in funding services or a related field.
- A deep understanding of user-centred design and performance measurement.
- Proven ability to develop and implement business processes and policy.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Strong negotiation and external relations skills.
- Ability to lead and manage teams of highly skilled professionals.
- Proven ability to use data and insights to drive decisions.
Desirable
- Understanding of the public sector, particularly in funding and grant delivery.
About UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, and other employee benefits. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified.
Associate Director – Funding Service employer: UKRI
Contact Detail:
UKRI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Funding Service
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with UK Research and Innovation's strategic goals and recent initiatives. Understanding their vision will help you align your experience and ideas with their objectives during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of UKRI, especially those in similar roles. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your interview preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led digital service delivery or grant management projects. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to drive change, as these are crucial for the Associate Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in funding services and digital platforms. Being knowledgeable about industry developments will demonstrate your commitment and expertise during conversations with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Funding Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive management experience in grants delivery and digital services. Use specific examples that demonstrate your subject matter expertise in funding services.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly outline how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description. Emphasise your problem-solving skills and ability to lead teams, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Include specific instances where you've successfully managed digital platforms or led major change initiatives. This will help illustrate your capability to drive the strategic vision for the Funding Service.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since the role involves managing relationships with government bodies and internal stakeholders, make sure to mention your negotiation skills and experience in external communications in both your CV and cover letter.
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Understand the Strategic Vision
Familiarise yourself with UK Research and Innovation's strategic goals, especially regarding the Funding Service. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision for the digital platform, TFS.
✨Showcase Your Management Experience
Highlight your extensive management experience in grants delivery or digital services. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed complex projects, particularly in a public sector context.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've resolved complex problems through creative thinking. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since the role involves high-level discussions with government bodies, think of past negotiation experiences. Prepare to articulate your approach to building relationships and achieving favourable outcomes in challenging situations.
