Head of Research Finance and Contracts

About the role

An exciting opportunity exists to join the University of Sussex in the leadership role as the Head of Research Finance and Contracts. You will provide leadership to promote and maintain the University’s provision of high-quality post-award advice and support for research and innovation activity.

The post-holder will lead a team managing all financial and legal aspects of awarded grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with funder and sponsor terms and conditions. You will manage the provision of project reporting to relevant stakeholders, alongside statutory reporting to ensure compliance with funding policies. You will also support grant and contract holders to maximise funding and resources to deliver agreed research and contract outcomes.

A key aspect of the role is to lead on the provision of research income, cost and contribution forecasting, building robust processes to meet the annual academic planning round requirements.

This is a key role, ensuring the effective delivery of strategic objectives, alongside

contributing to the wider work of the Research and Innovation Services Division, working closely with the heads of each area, and as a member of the leadership team.

About you

We are seeking an experienced leader to join Research and Innovation Services at the University of Sussex. We are looking for an individual who can bring extensive experience in leading research finance administration processes and systems.

You will have a good understanding of how grant and contract funded research, related legal contract and IP terms, with a detailed knowledge of major UK and EC funder terms work. You will bring evidenced knowledge of the national and international research and innovation funding landscape and have experience of developing and maintaining relationships with funders.

You will have experience of managing and leading a large, diverse teams with differing priorities with highly effective leadership skills with the ability to motivate others to achieve.

If you have experience of research finance administration processes and systems, with highly effective leadership skills and the ability to think strategically and develop excellent service provision, then we want to hear from you.

About our Division

Research and Innovation Services (RIS) supports Sussex researchers at all career stages to undertake ambitious and impactful research and knowledge exchange, conducted to the highest levels of integrity which contributes to the University’s globally recognised position for leading the way in innovation and research. 

Please find further information regarding the division at Research and Innovation: University of Sussex

Why work here

Find out more about our reward and benefits package.

Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion

Further Key Information

Please contact the Director of RIS Claire Potter at Claire.Potter@Sussex.ac.uk for informal enquiries.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK. 

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