Head of Research Grants Management

Location: Camden (King's Cross, London)

Interview date: 28/09/2026

The Royal Veterinary College is the UK’s largest and longest-established independent vet school. As a world leading specialist veterinary and biological science research institution, the RVC brings together talented individuals; all of whom share a passion for human and animal health and welfare.

The Head of Research Grants Management is a critical role within the Research and Innovation Office (RIO) at the RVC. The team supports academics and researchers across the full range of research and knowledge exchange activities, covering both pre-award and post-award financial administration. As such this role requires a deep understanding of the external funding and compliance landscape, proven experience in the financial management and compliance of awards, the ability to build strong relationships with academic and professional services stakeholders, and the ability to lead, develop and motivate a team.

The Head of Research Grants Management is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Grants Management team. The postholder will develop and implement processes and systems that support; (1) the accurate costing and pricing of research grants and contracts in accordance with FEC and RVC policy; (2) the financial management of the RVC live grants & contracts portfolio in accordance with funder obligations and relevant RVC policies; (3) the development of process improvements to aid award holders, and (4) operational leadership of funder, project and financial audit exercises.

The post-holder will be an important part of the RIO leadership team and will work closely with colleagues in Research Contracts, KE & Commercialisation, Research Development and Research Operations, as well as colleagues in Finance, Human Resources and other professional services teams. This role is likely to appeal to candidates seeking an involved, busy and varied role that will offer opportunities to play an important role in the further development of research support at RVC.

This post is offered on a hybrid basis with successful applicants having the opportunity to work remotely for some of the week.

We offer a generous reward package and benefits including:

Competitive and attractive pension package:

• Generous 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and concessionary days) pro-rata
• A range of family friendly policies, including adoption, maternity and paternity pay and leave.
• On site café and restaurant.
• Free membership to the newly built.
• Fitness and Wellbeing Centre located on Hawkshead site (gym, badminton, climbing wall, Zumba, yoga, and Pilates classes included)
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Electric Car Lease Scheme
• Free mini-bus service to and from Potters Bar station and Hawkshead Campus.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Claire Bensusan to find out more about the role (cbensusan@rvc.ac.uk)

We particularly encourage and welcome female applicants, applicants with a disability, and applicants from a Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) background as we are committed to increasing our representation within these groups who are currently under- represented at senior levels within the RVC.

We promote equality of opportunity and diversity within the workplace and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

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