Senior Delivery Manager - Ref 2029

CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed Term (Concluding: January 2030*)

*Towards the end of the assignment, candidates will move into the UKRI Redeployment Pool and be supported in finding suitable alternative work within the organization

ABOUT US

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. It is a peer review assessment process involving submissions from higher education institutions across the UK.

REF 2029 is a fast-moving exercise managing a wide range of policy areas, expert panel members that span all research disciplines and types of research outputs. Key to our success will be a close team working and supporting each other through peak periods. Joining our team provides a great deal of opportunity to learn and develop.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

LEAD AND MANAGE THE ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR REF 2029:

• Independently plan, manage and ensure the effective delivery of administrative processes to support the REF.
• Independently develop and document administrative processes.

MANAGE THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE REF PANELS:

• Develop and manage all administrative processes and tasks relating to the management of the appointment of REF panel members.
• Liaise with the finance team to enable accurate and timely payment of fees and expenses to over 1,000 panel members.

PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE OVERSIGHT TO SUPPORT REF POLICY DEVELOPMENT:

• Plan and manage administrative support for the REF PCE pilot exercise.
• Plan and manage administrative support for all REF steering groups.

CONTRIBUTE TO REF PROJECT PLANNING AND OTHER WORK OF THE TEAM:

• Attend REF project meetings and contribute to planning of REF team off-sites.
• Develop and maintain a good general knowledge of the REF.

PLANNING:

• Independently plan and manage complex administrative processes in a strategic way to deliver successful outcomes.
• Able to forward plan effectively; including anticipating forthcoming situations and planning resources accordingly.

COMMUNICATIONS:

• Able to communicate confidently with people from a range of levels in a clear, concise and fluent manner.
• Able to lead and contribute effectively to meetings.

SHORTLISTING CRITERIA

EXPERIENCE:

• Substantive experience of independently developing and implementing administrative processes and systems and ensuring these are followed by colleagues
• Substantive experience developing and managing financial processes
• Substantive experience of line management and coordinating the work of others, in both a direct line management and a matrix-style system

KNOWLEDGE AND LEARNING: 

• An independent, creative, flexible and positive approach to problem-solving; including anticipating problems, generating solutions and taking decisions independently
• Strong IT skills in Microsoft software packages (Word, Outlook, Excel) and a willingness and ability to support the development of bespoke administrative IT system.
• Interest in developing knowledge of the higher education sector and the REF

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DEVELOPING TALENT:

We are committed to developing employees in their roles throughout their career. Learning and development plans enable employees to continue their professional development through training and development opportunities such as e-learning, classroom training and on-the-job experiences. We encourage our employees to share their learning across teams and organisations.

BENEFITS:

UKRI can offer the successful candidate:

• Flexible Working
• 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays
• Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme
• Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider

Visit our dedicated benefits webpage for more info: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

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