KMMS-305-25-R - Research Development Manager

University of Kent; Canterbury; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Canterbury seeks a Research Development Manager to implement research strategies, manage processes, and provide administrative leadership. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management, stakeholder engagement, and the higher education research environment. The role offers a collaborative workplace with excellent benefits, including hybrid working options and generous leave.

Benefits

Membership of the University facilities

Hybrid working options

43 days’ annual leave

Excellent pension scheme

Employee-funded healthcare plan

On-campus facilities

Development opportunities

On-site parking

Qualifications

• Experience in project management within a research context.
• Proven track record of applying for research grants.
• Experience managing collaborative partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Manage research-related processes and implement strategy.
• Provide administrative leadership in research activities.
• Support submissions for research frameworks and evaluations.

Skills

Relationship building

Stakeholder management

Project management

Continuous improvement

Team management

Education

Knowledge of higher education research environment

Job description

Do you have experience of setting up systems, organising, planning and implementing improvements and supporting the roll out of strategies in a Research and project management setting?

Do you have an aptitude for relationship-building and stakeholder engagement and relish the opportunity to collaborate with others to achieve successful project outcomes? If so, we would love to receive an application from you to this ongoing, full-time research-related role in the growing and dynamic Kent and Medway Medical School.

The Research Development Manager will work in partnership with the KMMS Director of Research and research support administrators at all levels to implement the KMMS research strategy, meet research and enterprise/innovation income targets, establish and maintain networks, foster the development of high-quality outputs and build a sustainable and inclusive research culture.

A member of the KMMS Professional Services management team, the Research Development Manager will provide direction and support in all areas of research administration and policy within the School. The role holder will work closely with appropriate university colleagues to ensure KMMS administrative requirements are met, guiding and helping to drive forward the work of the new Research Support Joint Service Delivery Team across KMMS, the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University and the regional NHS organisations.

As Research Development Manager you can expect to be involved in:

• Establishing and managing all research and innovation related processes, policies and procedures in KMMS to implement the KMMS Research Strategy, lead to income generation and world leading research opportunities and support the University of Kent’s institutional commitment to the Concordat to Support Research Integrity.
• Providing administrative leadership and sound governance of research activities (producing data, management information and reports and providing support for all research related meetings)
• Monitoring KMMS research and innovation activity and evaluating progress on the KMMS Research Strategy implementation plan.
• Supporting KMMS with research Exercise Framework and Knowledge Exchange Framework submissions, working with academics, Research and Innovation Services, external Stakeholders and Unit of Assessment Coordinators to demonstrate strong impact case studies

What will you bring to the role?

• Experience of and a passion for start-up environments and project management and solid knowledge of the challenges inherent in this type of environment
• Strong relationship building and stakeholder management skills
• A commitment to continuous improvement
• Significant knowledge and understanding of the higher education research environment
• A proven track record of applying for grants in a research environment and increasing revenue and
• Experience of establishing and supporting collaborative partnerships between academic, NHS, social care, local authority and/or business sectors
• Experience of successfully managing staff, with well-developed team management skills and a clear passion for developing motivated staff and strong teams

What we can offer in return:

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

• membership of and access to both the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University and the facilities and training opportunities offered by both
• hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs)
• 43 days’ leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
• excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• corporate employee‑funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Healthretailer and wellbeing discounts via Edenred
• on campus cinema/theatre, sports facilities, library, nursery (Canterbury) and food outlets
• study while you work discounts, cycle to work scheme, local business discounts
• support in your development and wellbeing at all stages of employment, including an Employee Assistance Programme
• training and development opportunities at all levels
• on‑site parking

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact [e-mail] quoting reference number KMMS-305-25-R

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under‑represented at this level in this area.

Occasionally we may need to close a vacancy before the published deadline due to a high number of applications being received, therefore we strongly advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. (All vacancies will be open for at least one week.)

PLEASE NOTE: We prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

We know applicants may use AI tools to help prepare job applications. For guidance on how to use AI responsibly and effectively, see: Using AI in your job application

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.