Innovation and Research Strategic Delivery Manager

About the University

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. 

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

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 and 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 Innovation and Research (I&R) portfolio, supporting operational delivery of the University I&R Strategy and REF Strategy. You will be responsible for line managing the I&R Administrator and oversight over the I&R Data Administrator.

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 use confident and 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.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)Local Government Pension SchemeSuite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance ProgrammeAccess to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailersDiscounted onsite gymDiscounted access to Devonshire SpaHoliday purchaseCycle to Work schemeA flexible working environmentA commitment to personal and professional development

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

Important Information

This role may be eligible for sponsorship by the University. 

The offered salary for this role is less than the going rate for the occupation and/or the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£38,700 per annum). Therefore you will only be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker visa subject to your individual circumstances which must meet one of the following criteria set out by UKVI: 

Your job is on the Immigration Skills ListYou’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional trainingYou have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education

You must also meet the English Language requirement.

Please note that the University will assess your individual eligibility for sponsorship at the shortlisting stage.

For more information, visit our website.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.

Closing Date: 30 Mar 2025

Area: Management, Professional and Specialist

Salary: £42,791 to £45,955 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £61,235 per annum)