At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead REF2029 submission and manage research planning activities with a focus on quality and compliance.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a diverse and inclusive institution committed to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days holiday, flexible working, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in research strategy while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex operational processes and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 56535 £ per year.
Position Details
Research Planning & Operations Manager – Research Strategy and Services
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Salary and Grade: £47,389 to £56,535 (Grade 8). Potential progression to £63,606.
Job Summary
The Research Planning & Operations Manager is a key role within the Research Performance & Systems Innovation Team, providing senior operational leadership for REF and research planning activity, translating strategic direction into robust delivery, ensuring institutional research processes are coordinated, high quality, compliant, and delivered to schedule.
Responsibilities
- Lead the University’s REF2029 submission under the strategic direction of the Assistant Director (Head of Research Planning & Systems Strategy).
- Develop and manage detailed REF project plans, timetables and risk registers, ensuring alignment across ‘Contribution to Knowledge & Understanding’, ‘Engagement & Impact’, and ‘Strategy, People & Research Environment’ (SPRE).
- Coordinate REF‑related data collection, validation and assurance processes, working closely with College teams, research systems colleagues and data specialists.
- Act as a central operational point of contact for REF activity, providing clear guidance and practical support to Colleges, Schools and Institutes.
- Support the delivery of institutional and College‑level research planning rounds, ensuring alignment between REF, research strategy and performance planning processes.
- Produce high‑quality briefings, papers and reports to support decision‑making by senior academic and professional committees (e.g. REF Board, Senior Research Leadership Team).
- Work closely with Research Systems and Data colleagues to ensure REF and research planning requirements are effectively supported by institutional systems (e.g. Pure, Worktribe, Core Fusion).
- Support data quality, audit readiness and compliance in relation to REF and external reporting requirements.
- Build strong, trusted working relationships across the RSSD and with College‑based research teams, academic leads and Professional Services colleagues.
- Provide operational leadership to staff contributing to REF and planning activity, including matrix‑managed or project‑based contributors.
- Represent RSSD on operational working groups and communities of practice relating to REF, research planning and research environment activities.
- Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency, clarity and effectiveness of REF and research planning operations.
- Contribute to wider change programmes within RSSD, supporting the transition to a more integrated, data‑driven research planning model.
- Capture and embed lessons learned from REF and planning cycles to strengthen future delivery.
- Any other duties commensurate with the grade, as required from time‑to‑time by the Assistant Director.
Essential Requirements
- Significant experience delivering complex, time‑critical operational processes within a research‑intensive or similarly complex organisation.
- Strong working knowledge of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) or equivalent large‑scale assessment, planning or compliance exercises.
- Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams, competing priorities and tight deadlines with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Experience coordinating stakeholders across organisational boundaries, including academic and professional services colleagues.
- Strong analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to work confidently with data, plans and detailed documentation.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to produce clear guidance and high‑quality papers for senior audiences.
- Ability to operate with a high degree of initiative, judgement and professionalism in a sensitive and high‑profile environment.
Desirable Requirements
- Direct experience of REF submission processes, Codes of Practice or REF‑related data and systems.
- Experience of research planning, performance management or research environment activity in a UK higher education context.
- Familiarity with research information systems such as Pure, Worktribe or Core Fusion.
- Experience supporting or delivering change programmes or process improvement initiatives.
Employment Terms
Full Time, Permanent, Grade 8. Closing date: 25th June 2026. Flexible working arrangements are available. Benefits include 40 days paid holiday, one paid day for volunteering, occupational sick pay, pension scheme and subsidised day nurseries.
Equal Opportunities
The University is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and uphold the principles of inclusion. We hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations, and maintain a fair and inclusive workplace for all employees.
Contact
Informal enquiries: Nathalie Maillard, email: n.spence.1@bham.ac.uk
Research Planning and Operations Manager - Research Strategy and Services - 107045 - Grade 8 in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the Research Strategy and Services team. With a commitment to employee growth, the university provides extensive benefits including 40 days of paid holiday, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development, all while promoting a diverse and inclusive culture that values every individual's contribution.
