Innovation and Research Strategic Delivery Manager

Location: Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 3AW

Contract Type: Fixed Term 15 months

Here at Derby we have committed to nurture and encourage research excellence across all our disciplines and career stages, recognising the strong link between excellent research and an excellent student experience. Our research makes a difference by making an impact on our students, industry (locally, regionally and internationally), policy makers, our international research partners and the wider community.

We have entered a new, exciting era for research at the University, making investments in our students, staff and research infrastructure to help us achieve our overall aim of producing research that is high-impact and high-profile and that is beneficial to our stakeholder groups. We are investing in research, supporting our REF 2029 plans, providing doctoral bursaries and in staffing in the Innovation and Research (I&R) team.

I&R supports 350 doctoral students and we have 200+ research active staff across the University. Furthermore, as an anchor University our research supports the growth and development of our local communities and economies. We remain in the ‘top 10’ Universities for the highest number of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships being delivered. Our collaborative research income, from funders such as UKRI and charities continues to rise, engaging our academics with both multinationals as well as small and medium size enterprises. All these funded research activities support innovation, product and business development and competitiveness in our regional economy, as well as internationally.

About the Role

This role will lead a core strand of activity within the (I&R) portfolio, supporting operational delivery of the University I&R Strategy and REF Strategy. You will also have line management responsibility.

The role will require strong analytical and communication skills and will work to operationalise REF guidance and criteria and lead the management of internal REF processes including those relating to Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding (Outputs), People, Culture and Environment and the Volume Measure. You will require strong leadership skills to work closely with academic and professional services staff at all levels to prepare and provide feedback on the REF submission.

The role will be responsible for supporting the development and implementation of the REF related aspects of the new Research Information System to ensure effective monitoring and performance reporting is in place.

About You

You will be a subject matter expert on REF and have engaging presentation skills to act as an authoritative influence across the University regarding research assessment and key external requirements including the REF and Staff HESA return.

You will have strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills with experience of identifying and implementing efficiencies in processes and driving continuous improvement. You will also have experience in supporting the operations and maintenance of digital systems.

You will have excellent communication, networking and influencing skills and the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with senior stakeholders. This will allow the role holder the ability to work collaboratively across organisational boundaries, with the capacity to be a constructive team player.

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Amelia Telfer, Innovation and Research Strategic Delivery Manager via A.Telfer@Derby.ac.uk 

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk

For more information and to apply on-line, please click the above “Apply” button.

Advert Closes: Sunday 30 March 2025

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