REF Manager (Fixed Term)

Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Cambridge is seeking a REF Manager to oversee submissions across the School of Clinical Medicine. The successful candidate will be a skilled project manager who can effectively collaborate with academic leads, manage multiple workstreams, and analyze complex data effectively. Essential skills include strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and meticulous attention to detail. This fixed-term role offers a unique opportunity to advance your career in higher education administration, with a salary range of £42,254-£56,535.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in successful project management within an academic environment.
• Outstanding communication skills with diverse audiences.
• Exceptional attention to detail and data management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the collection and analysis of data for REF submissions.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders.
• Adapt plans based on emerging challenges.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Attention to detail

Analytical mindset

Job description

# REF Manager (Fixed Term)**The Opportunity**The University of Cambridge is a world-leading institution renowned for excellence in research, education, and scholarship. With over 14,000 staff, we are committed to creating an inclusive, dynamic workplace that enables our people to thrive.As the Higher Education sector prepares for REF2029, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape and drive submissions from Units of Assessment across the School of Clinical Medicine at one of the world's most prestigious universities.As an experienced, agile, and resourceful project manager, you will work in close partnership with REF academic leads across the School to deliver against the multiple assessed elements of the REF submission. You will lead the collection and analysis of data, provide expert guidance and support, and build effective relationships with key stakeholders at all levels.**About You**You will excel at planning and prioritising work across the School's three Units of Assessment, adapting swiftly to emerging challenges. You will be equally comfortable working independently and as part of collaborative teams.This position offers an excellent opportunity for an ambitious professional looking to advance their career in higher education administration.**Essential Skills and Experience*** Proven track record in successful project management, ideally within a research or academic environment* Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills across diverse audiences* Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage and synthesise large volumes of complex information* Proactive, self-motivated, and results-focused approach* Strong ability to manage multiple project workstreams simultaneously, identifying and disseminating best practice* Analytical mindset with excellent organisational capabilities**Desirable*** Understanding of the REF process or research assessment frameworks* Experience working in higher education or research-intensive environmentsInformal inquiries: For further information about this opportunity, please contact Jackie Hall at [e-mail]-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 January 2029 in the first instance.Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.Please include details of your three referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.Closing date for all applications is Sunday 18 January 2026, with interviews planned for the week of 26 January 2026.Please quote reference RA48356 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.### Department/location### Salary£42,254-£56,535### ReferenceRA48356### Category### Date published17 December 2025### Closing date18 January 2026