Head of Research Operations

The University of Birmingham is a global institution working within a diverse and vibrant City, offering an inspiring education to our students, and undertaking critically important research. We are a place of open, critical thinking, and the creation, sharing and dissemination of knowledge. Professional Services put students at the heart of all they do and enable an exceptional educational experience. They provide outstanding support to our researchers and help the University to grow its influence regionally, nationally, and globally.

The Head of Research Operations (College of Medicine & Health) is a pivotal role within the Research Strategy & Services Division (RSSD), responsible for leading a CMH research support function, working in close collaboration with the wider Division and academic and Professional Services colleagues in the College. Reporting to the Assistant Director RSSD, the Head of Research Operations will lead a team of expert practitioners that deliver a portfolio of research support activities, including research development & facilitation, proposal drafting, budget preparation, compliance, and contracts negotiation.

The successful candidate will provide visible and proactive leadership, ensuring regular face-to-face engagement to build trust, foster collaboration, and offer hands-on support to team members. They will create an environment where individuals feel valued and empowered, balancing strategic oversight with day-to-day guidance. Being present and accessible, the leader will strengthen team cohesion and drive performance. In addition, they will develop strong internal and external networks across the University and beyond, positioning the team as a trusted partner in delivering high-quality research support.

Main duties include:

• Leading a Research Support Team of approximately 25 research support professionals to effectively manage and agree prioritisation of workload across all aspects of pre-award research support.
• Ensuring timely monitoring and reporting to senior colleagues in RSSD and the College of key performance indicators including grant applications, awards, contribution, success rates and contracts clearance levels.
• Developing and leading innovations in research support that seek to enhance these measures and ensure that the impact of service innovations is clearly understood.
• Acting as a contracts signatory for the University, ensuring a clear negotiating framework for all research and research-related contracts.
• Supporting teams with complex research applications and contracts as required, providing mentorship in a culture of continuous professional development.
• Developing strong external networks across the Russell Group, professional bodies and wider sector to ensure the delivery of best practice at Birmingham.
• Being responsible for HR matters within the team, leading and developing staff and ensuring recruitment, development and retention of highly capable staff.
• Bringing innovative and creative solutions to the work of the Research Strategy & Services Division.
• Acting as an ambassador for the University, upholding and promoting the University’s values and interests.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience:

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent level qualifications), or extensive experience of working in a complex organisation plus substantial relevant managerial experience.
• Experience of drafting and reviewing complex research agreements using a pragmatic and risk-based approach.
• Ability to exercise a substantial degree of independent professional responsibility and discretion.
• Strong knowledge of, and interest in, national and international research policy and operations.
• Significant experience of providing senior practitioner support to complex issues relating to research contracts, compliance with funders terms, trusted research, research governance, and research culture.
• Excellent literacy and numeracy, with the ability to write for different audiences and for different purposes.