Research Excellence Framework Manager (REF Manager)

FTE: 0.8 – 1.0 FTE (29.6 – 37 hours)

Duration of Contract: Fixed term contract until July 2029

Salary: UH8 £46,049 to £58,225 pa (pro rata) by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience

Annual Leave: 30 days per year (222 hours) pro rata plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: DeHavilland Campus, Hatfield 

Main duties and responsibilities

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) Manager will take responsibility for coordinating and delivering the University’s REF submission to REF2029.

You will work closely with the Associate Deans for Research and Enterprise, Unit of Assessment Coordinators, and colleagues across academic and professional services to ensure an evidence-based, high-quality and strategically aligned submission. 

The Research Excellence Framework Manager (REF Manager) will play a critical role in the REF 2029 submission with a view to supporting one of our 2025-2030 Strategic Ambitions to come in the Top 50 Institutions for REF2029.

Skills and experience required

You will have previous experience in a leadership or management role within a research-intensive university, and experience of delivering strategic advice, project management, and oversight of REF- related activities, focusing on data collection and the preparation of institutional narratives. You will have experience of working on a previous REF submission, and have extensive knowledge of REF processes, criteria, and strategic goals. You will have the ability to prioritise workload and work autonomously but also be able to work collaboratively on initiatives to strengthen research culture and the research environment. Finally, you will need to be skilled in engaging and influencing diverse stakeholders, have strong interpersonal skills and the ability and confidence to make timely independent decisions. 

Qualifications required

Educated to a minimum of degree level or equivalent or with substantial relevant experience

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

Internal applicants – please ensure you apply via your employee self service portal. 

We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work before an offer is made.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Dr Peter Gooden, Director of Research and Enterprise Services p.gooden@herts.ac.uk

Closing Date: 11 March 2026

Interview Date: 27 March 2026

Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics, and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts

Advert information