Team Leader (Doctoral College - RDP)

FTE: 0.5fte (working 18.5 hours per week)

Duration of Contract: Fixed term until 30/09/2028

Annual Leave: 25 days (pro rata) plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: MacLaurin Building

Main duties and responsibilities

As Team Leader for the Researcher Development Programme (RDP) within the Doctoral College, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering an exceptional development experience for research degree students. This position involves overseeing all aspects of the administration and organisation of the RDP, ensuring compliance with University regulations and supporting the strategic objectives of the Doctoral College. You will act as a key advisor to academic and professional staff, students, and external contributors, providing guidance on session offerings, booking processes, and facilitation. From managing the RDP booking system and maintaining the intranet site to coordinating advertising and producing the annual handbook, you will ensure the smooth and effective delivery of the programme.

In addition to operational responsibilities, you will lead on process improvements, monitor budgets, and manage relationships with external facilitators, including handling contracts and payments. You will compile and analyse feedback and attendance data to inform future planning and report to senior committees. This role also includes staff management duties, where you will oversee workloads, performance reviews, and development activities, fostering a positive and equitable working environment. With a strong focus on service excellence, compliance, and innovation, this is an opportunity to make a significant impact on researcher development within a dynamic academic setting.

Skills and experience required

We are searching for a highly organised and proactive individual to join our team, bringing appropriate and proven administrative experience within a complex and dynamic environment. The successful candidate must demonstrate the capacity to manage a wide range of demands and conflicting priorities effectively. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, evidenced by demonstrable experience in producing and implementing procedures. While not essential, experience in designing and implementing new systems and a background in Higher Education (HE) administration would be highly advantageous.

Key to this role is the knowledge and ability to manage and motivate staff, promoting effective team working. You will possess excellent IT skills, including the use of MS Office and various databases, along with the ability to accurately analyse and present data from multiple enterprise systems. You must be comfortable working to tight deadlines and performing accurately under pressure.

In terms of behaviours and attributes, you will have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, allowing you to communicate effectively in a variety of formats to different audiences. A high standard of customer care and strong interpersonal skills are essential for dealing with a range of stakeholders. Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with senior colleagues, are also required for this demanding position.

Qualifications required

Minimum of a degree, or equivalent qualification, or proven professional work experience.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Kathy Lee, Section Head Doctoral College, k.j.lee@herts.ac.uk

Closing Date: 11 December 2025

Interview Date: 7 January 2026

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