At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative projects in research funding and implement innovative systems.
- Company: Join the University of Bath, a diverse and inclusive institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension schemes, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on research funding processes and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in research finance and leading change programmes is essential.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 56535 £ per year.
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 is a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving a major transformation of our Research Funding Post-Award service, alongside the implementation of a new research management system (Worktribe).
About the role
You will provide strategic leadership and operational direction to modernise Post-Award processes, ensuring they are efficient, compliant, and fit for the future. With a clear mandate to deliver change at pace, you will assess current ways of working, consider the redesign of processes, and ensure robust controls and governance across the research funding lifecycle. Working closely with colleagues across the University, you will develop and deliver a comprehensive transformation roadmap. This will include aligning systems and processes ahead of system launch, strengthening collaboration across research finance-related functions, and embedding 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
You will also line manage key team leads and work closely with colleagues across Research & Impact Services, Finance, and system implementation teams to ensure a joined-up and successful transition.
About you
You will bring:
- 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.
Above all, you will be a collaborative and resilient individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is motivated by the opportunity to lead meaningful, lasting change.
This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in shaping the University’s research funding operations and delivering long-term organisational impact. We are looking for a confident and credible leader with deep expertise in research funding, ideally gained within a UK Higher Education Institution or research funder environment. This is a fixed-term role for a period of 12 months. We support flexible working arrangements, including secondments.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university.
We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
What we can offer you
We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
- 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 allowance
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
- Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app
We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:
- Staff support groups and networks
- A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
- A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive
Closing Date: 21 Jul 2026
Department: Management, Specialist and Administration
Salary: £47,389 to £56,535
Transformation Lead (Research Funding) (CC13759) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
The University of Bath is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates diversity and fosters professional growth. With a generous benefits package, including flexible working arrangements, extensive development opportunities, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, you will thrive in a supportive environment while leading transformative change in research funding operations. Join us in making a meaningful impact within the higher education sector in the beautiful city of Bath.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transformation Lead (Research Funding) (CC13759) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Transformation Lead (Research Funding) (CC13759) - Bath, BA2 7AY at University of Bath!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like University of Bath or be willing to refer you for that Transformation Lead (Research Funding) (CC13759) - Bath, BA2 7AY position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from University of Bath who’s on the lookout for their next Transformation Lead (Research Funding) (CC13759) - Bath, BA2 7AY star!
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Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Transformation Lead (Research Funding) (CC13759) - Bath, BA2 7AY role at University of Bath!
We think you need these skills to ace Transformation Lead (Research Funding) (CC13759) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at University of Bath. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at University of Bath. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
