Head of Research Development

Manchester Met is recognised as an outstanding modern university with excellent research that meets the demands of a rapidly changing world. Research continues to grow, develop and flourish and reinforces our status as a dual-intensive university where education and research excellence go hand in hand.

Across four faculties and three Institutes we're continuing to make significant investment in areas of strength to deliver outputs that have real-world impact and enhance our global reputation.

To build on this success and demonstrate our commitment to driving grant capture growth we are recruiting two key leadership roles within the Directorate of Research & Innovation: Head of Research Development (Science & Engineering/Health) and Head of Research Development (Arts & Humanities/Business & Law/Education). Candidates are welcome to apply for both roles.

Both roles are located within the Research Development Team and report to the Director of Research Development & Delivery. The Research Development Team have played a fundamental role in the University's sustained research income growth; these posts are both exciting opportunities to drive the ongoing success of this Team.

About us

We have been proudly driving progress for more than two centuries. As one of the UK's largest and most popular universities, we're a force for good, dedicated to delivering outstanding research and excellent education. Our community of over 5,100 colleagues work in close partnership every day to bring about positive change regionally, nationally, and globally.

Much more than a university, we are a place where ambitious people unite as a diverse and inclusive community to make meaningful connections. Where world-class facilities combine with exceptional minds to improve lives through innovation. We welcome those who are committed, talented, and hardworking. People who believe in our values and are as driven as we are to achieve shared goals. Build a role with purpose, in an environment designed to unlock your potential. Be part of Manchester Met. Be Manchester Met proud. Let's transform lives together. 

About the roles

Head of Research Development (Science & Engineering/Health)

Head of Research Development (Arts & Humanities/Business & Law/Education)

You will work closely with the Director of Research Development and Delivery to advise and support senior academic research leadership to grow the University's large grant portfolio, providing high level support and coordination for major external research funding submissions.

Postholders will work in partnership to lead, manage and develop the Research Development Manager team, focussing and prioritising research development activity and resource to large grants, aligned to the University's areas of research strengths and associated strategic investments.

Engaging with Institute Leadership and members, postholders will facilitate growth in high quality, transdisciplinary, research income.

About you

We are looking for individuals with:

• A significant track record of successful large grant capture in one of more of the University areas of research strengths: AI, Cyber and Digital; Climate, Energy and Environmental Management; Creative Arts and Cultural Studies; Education and Learning; Health and Social Care; Manufacturing and Materials; Social Inequality; Sport and Rehabilitation; Sustainable Business.
• Experience of leading and developing teams.

You will have the ability to build and engage with internal and external networks to:

• Enable high quality, high income generating, transdisciplinary grant capture.
• Develop University relationships with key funders and wider external stakeholders, to optimise and leverage intelligence, build influence and profile.
• Drive continuous service improvement and develop communities of best practice.

We are looking for evidence of the use of initiative, creativity and judgement in identifying approaches to supporting and empowering our research community to deliver successful, high quality large research funding applications. You will be a confident communicator, able to influence and persuade academic and professional services stakeholders.

Further information

To make an initial informal enquiry, please contact Vicky Holt (Director of Research Development & Delivery, Directorate of Research and Innovation) at v.holt@mmu.ac.uk.

Applications must be made via our recruitment system and should include a full CV and a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how your knowledge, skills and experience match the essential criteria being sought. Please state in your covering letter which role you are applying for and please also state if you've applied for both roles.

Closing Date - 5th June 2026

Interviews will be held in person in Manchester as follows:

Head of Research Development (Arts & Humanities/Business & Law/Education) Tuesday, 7th July 2026.

Head of Research Development (Science & Engineering/Health) Thursday, 9th July 2026.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the Job Description for that vacancy.