Head of Faculty Research Operations

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Are you a proactive and influential colleague with the passion and commitment to drive effective research operations?  Are you a confident leader capable of building excellent working relationships with diverse colleagues and other stakeholders? Can you lead and take ownership of driving change?    

The Faculty of Environment is at the centre of pressing interdisciplinary, challenge led research agendas and we are responding to an unprecedented level of funding opportunity. To do this successfully is increasingly requiring co-ordination across schools within the faculty, and across the whole organisation. Our research income plans are ambitious, showing growth over the next five years that enhances our world-leading research credentials, partially predicated on making the most of the opportunities that longer/larger (yet more complex) grant opportunities provide. At the same time, we are seeking to create an open and inclusive research culture, ensure our staff are properly supported to deliver world-class research and impact, and responding rapidly to the evolving priorities outlined by external funders and government. 

As Head of Faculty Research Operations, you will drive effective partnership working between academics and professional services and play a key role in ensuring the Faculty of Environment is able to proactively respond to opportunities and challenges. Working in concert with the Pro Dean for Research and Innovation, the Faculty Operations Director, and wider members of the Faculty Executive Team, you will be responsible for providing effective leadership, development and direction across school level research support and impact teams within the faculty. A key part of the role will involve considering the appropriate structure and governance for research operations across the faculty, considering best practice from elsewhere in the university and externally. 

You will contribute to the success of the faculty research strategy (as described in the faculty Integrated Planning Exercise submission), leading and feeding into Task and Finish groups associated with enhancing research and operational delivery.  

You will be an experienced leader who can question, challenge and influence colleagues, lead change and deliver faculty objectives aligned with the University of Leeds Strategy University Values, Global Change . The successful candidate will have significant experience of research support management in Higher Education or equivalent environment, including in leading diverse teams, research finances and performance evaluation. You will have outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to build effective working relationships and proven experience of leading and managing change within complex organisations.

This role reports directly to the Faculty Operations Director. 

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Libby Clark,  Director of Operations

Email; [email protected]

Location:  Leeds - Main Campus
Faculty/Service:  Faculty of Environment
School/Institute:  Environment Faculty Offices
Category:  Professional & Managerial
Grade:  Grade 9
Salary:  £56,021 to £64,914 per annum
Working Time:  100%
Post Type:  Full Time
Contract Type:  Fixed Term (one year secondment opportunity, internal candidates at the University of Leeds)
Release Date:  Friday 15 March 2024
Closing Date:  Friday 29 March 2024
Reference:  ENVFO1129
Downloads:  Candidate Brief