RESEARCH GOVERNANCE AND EXCELLENCE MANAGER

Full Time – Permanent - High Wycombe
Salary - £43,878 - £55,295

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.

Our University’s DRIVE values are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.

The Research Excellence and Governance Manager is pivotal to the management and enhancement of the University’s research activities. This role includes overseeing the Research Support Team to achieve strategic objectives such as Research Degree Awarding Powers, improved REF submissions, and increased research income.

The post holder will lead the effective administration of research, ensuring proactive and flexible support for academics and research students. Using their extensive sector knowledge, they will champion best practices, challenge existing methodologies, and align operations with BNU’s THRIVE 2028 strategy. The position demands initiative, adaptability, and the ability to operate independently in a dynamic environment.

This role is located in the Research and Enterprise Directorate.

What we offer:

• a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependant on business needs)
• training & development support opportunities
• contributory pension scheme
• discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
• a range of staff discounts with major retailers.

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Research Excellence and Governance Manager
Directorate: Enterprise and Research
Grade: H
Location: High Wycombe – travel to other University sites may be required
Hours: 37 hours per week
Responsible to: Director of Enterprise and Research
Responsible for: Research Professional Service Employees (PSEs) within the RED Unit

Job Purpose:
The Research Excellence and Governance Manager is responsible for the management, co-ordination, delivery, evaluation and enhancement of the University’s research activity providing a full service to the Schools on all aspects relating to research.

Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:

• To provide high quality project management and administrative support for the development, submission and completion of BNU’s application for Research Degree Awarding powers.
• In partnership with academic staff and senior managers, provide sector knowledge and support for a high quality REF submission.
• Ensure research data is collected and managed appropriately.
• Implement a process of output quality evaluation.
• Support identification, enhancement and measurement of research impact.
• Ensure accurate research activity returns to Research England.
• Monitor research performance against institutional plans.
• Work with Impact centre and UOA Leads.
• Manage the University’s research development budget.
• Oversee the development and approval of regulations and quality procedures.
• Work with the Finance Directorate to develop procedures for tracking research income.
• Enhance the research culture within the University.
• Ensure effective dissemination of research activity.
• Maintain awareness of new developments across the sector.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
A = Application T = Test I = Interview
Education, Qualifications & Training

• Good general education (A)
• First degree or equivalent (A)
• Evidence of CPD (A)

Knowledge and Experience

• Proven experience of leading and managing a team (A/I)
• Understanding and commitment to the ethos and values of the University (I)
• Knowledge of Higher Education systems (A/I)
• Experience as an administrator at a senior level (A)

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills (A/I)
• Excellent organisational and planning skills (A/I)
• Proactive and flexible attitude to work (I)
• Good skills using MS packages and databases (A)

Special Requirements

• Willingness to work flexible hours as required (A/I)