Research Governance and Finance Lead

Governance and Research Finance Lead

Salary: £60,000 - 65,000 plus benefits

Reports to: Head of Grants Management

Contract: 12-month Maternity Cover

Location: Stratford High Flex (1-2 days in office)

Minimum working pattern: 35

Closing date: 28 April 2025 23:55

This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment.

Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

Recruitment process: Competency based interview

Interview date: 8/9 May 2025

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

Cancer Research UK are looking for a Governance and Research Finance Lead, to join the Grants Management team.

About the team

The Research Operations team at Cancer Research UK (CRUK) sits within the Research & Innovation directorate and plays a vital role in supporting the organisation's mission to beat cancer by ensuring the smooth administration of research funding. Research Operations are responsible for managing the full lifecycle of research grants, from application through to award and reconciliation, whilst also ensuring CRUK has assurance that all organisations we fund are compliant with policies, regulations and governance standards. Overall, the team works closely with researchers, research offices, finance teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure that CRUK's funding supports high-quality cancer research in an efficient and effective manner.

In this role you will be responsible for leading on research funding governance and financial grants management at Cancer Research UK, ensuring grant conditions and funding policies are effectively developed, implemented and adhered to, as well as coordinating the delivery of all post-award activity across the research grants portfolio. In addition, you will be responsible for leading on the operational development of new funding and research initiatives to support the delivery of CRUK's research strategy, including supporting the development and implementation of new partnerships. You will have 3 Senior Research Governance & Finance Managers as direct reports to effectively deliver activity across the team.

What will I be doing?

• Leading on Research Governance within Cancer Research UK; acting as a subject matter expert
• Responsible for all post award grant processes ensuring they are run efficiently and in accordance with CRUK policies and procedures
• Lead on the continuous improvement and development of Grant Conditions and all funding policies, including identifying emerging areas for new policies and monitoring compliance
• Contribute expertise and provide guidance in the development of new funding schemes and strategic initiatives, consulting in the operational development of new research partnerships and funding structures
• Represent CRUK externally, establishing credibility and strong relationships within the research funding community to ensure that the charity's interests are promoted, and we are able to influence and contribute to the development of relevant standards and good practice guidelines
• Work with Senior Leadership to align activity with R&I priorities, coordinating team objectives accordingly.
• Line Manage team of 3 Senior Research Governance & Finance Managers, effectively coordinating activity and prioritising projects across the team.

What are you looking for?

• Understanding of the UK biomedical research environment, through experience of working for a funding body, and/or recognised research environment
• Significant knowledge and experience of implementing the end-to-end research grants process
• Demonstrable experience of building, developing and managing teams, with a strong track record of leadership
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks, showing adaptability to meet challenging targets and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to be able to develop and maintain excellent working relationships with key internal and external personnel
• Ability to pragmatically and effectively manage relationships with complex internal stakeholders, including senior leadership and cross-directorate.
• Ability to interpret and explain complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Accuracy and excellent attention to detail, with demonstrable analytical and problem-solving skills

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.

Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination

Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people

Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively

We're looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.

What will I gain?

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.

How do I apply?

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.

For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.

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Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.