Research Excellence and Planning Manager

Department

The Research and Enterprise Office (REO) is an Administrative Section within the University’s Professional Services.  The REO delivers services to the University’s academic community to support a range of research, impact and knowledge exchange activities and also contributes to a wide range of business engagement activities and facilitates the delivery of services to business, as well as to the wider community.

Duties of the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced research planning professional with strong project management skills and a proven track record in research assessment and related policy. The Research Excellence and Planning Manager will play a key role in the delivery of the University’s Research Strategy, particularly relating to academic research quality, culture and environment. The post holder will be instrumental in the preparation and coordination of our submission to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2029 and future REF or analogous research assessment submissions.

The post-holder will work closely with our academic community to develop and lead our services that support ‘Research Excellence’. They will manage the research planning and review process and implement initiatives ensuring all research is of the highest standard in preparation for REF2029 and future research assessment exercises. They will produce regular reports for University leaders on the scale, scope and quality of research outputs and outcomes, using appropriate analytical tools and with due regard for the responsible use of metrics. In addition, they will help develop and support key initiatives to develop and improve the University’s research culture and environment.

The post holder will be a key source of professional advice on all matters relating to the Research Excellence Framework and related Research England policy within the University, ensuring that relevant processes are efficient and effective.

The Research Planning Manager will report to the Head of Research Governance and Planning and work closely with the Pro-Vice Chancellor Research, Director of Research and Enterprise and Head of Research Development and Impact. They will also interact regularly with a wide stakeholder group, including Academic Department Heads and Research Directors, REF Unit of Assessment Leads, Senior academic leaders, and professional services colleagues.

Skills and qualifications required

The successful candidate will have in depth knowledge and expertise on the HEI sector’s Research, Culture and Environment and will have been significantly involved in past REF submissions, ideally with experience of having planned and delivered a previous REF exercise at a UK Higher Education Institution. With excellent planning skills, allied to well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills, the role holder will understand policy and guidance and translate this to targets, actions and positive outcomes for Research Excellence at Essex.

Please use the 'Apply' button to read further information about this role including the full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role. You will also find details of how to make your application here.

Our website http://www.essex.ac.uk contains more information about the University of Essex. If you have a disability and would like information in a different format, please email resourcing@essex.ac.uk.

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