Transformation Lead (Research Funding)
About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to take on the role of Transformation Lead in Research & Impact Services at the University of Bath. This pivotal leadership role will drive a major transformation of our Research Funding Post‑Award service and implement a new research management system (Worktribe). You will provide strategic leadership and operational direction to modernise Post‑Award processes, ensuring they are efficient, compliant, and future‑ready. Working closely with colleagues across the University, you will develop and deliver a comprehensive transformation roadmap, strengthen collaboration across finance‑related functions, and embed sustainable, high‑quality operating models.
As Part Of The Role, You Will
- Lead a complex, institution‑wide transformation programme covering system implementation, process design and organisational change
- Review and streamline Post‑Award processes to improve efficiency and reduce risk
- Establish clear standards, procedures and governance frameworks
- Provide expert advice to senior leaders on future operating models, risks and resourcing
- Build capability and resilience within the team through coaching, mentoring and leadership
- Use data and analysis to inform decisions and continuously improve performance
About You
- A strong understanding of research finance and the regulatory landscape in UK higher education
- Proven experience leading change programmes, ideally involving system implementation or process transformation
- Experience of influencing across large, diverse teams and engaging senior colleagues
- The ability to interpret and apply complex financial and regulatory requirements with confidence
- Demonstrable experience in building capability and supporting teams through change
You Will Also Demonstrate
- Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to turn insight into action
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly
- A strategic attitude, with the ability to balance detail with the wider organisational picture
- Strong organisational skills and a proactive, delivery‑focused approach
- Confidence to challenge existing practices constructively and drive improvement
- High levels of integrity, professionalism and sound judgement
A professional finance qualification or equivalent relevant experience is desirable, as well as experience of audit processes and managing compliance risks. Familiarity with research management systems, particularly Worktribe, and experience using digital tools and data (e.g. Power BI) to support decision‑making and service improvement is also preferred.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days for a healthy work‑life balance
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, plus a range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships and LinkedIn Learning
- Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- A family‑friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowanceVisa reimbursement and interest‑free loan to support immigration expenses
- Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app
Employment Terms
Right to Work in the UK: We do not assess immigration or right to work status until the offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.
Anonymous shortlisting: We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.
