Research Governance and Excellence Manager

Location: High Wycombe - travel to other University sites may be required Hours: 37 hours per week Responsible to: Director of Enterprise and Research Responsible for: Research Professional Service Employees (PSEs) within the RED Unit Job Purpose: The Research Excellence and Governance Manager is responsible for the management, co-ordination, delivery, evaluation and enhancement of the University's research activity providing a full service to the Schools on all aspects relating to research. To lead on the expansion of the Research support team to enable key University strategic objectives of achieving Research Degree Awarding Powers, a significantly higher quality REF submission and increased research income. To be responsible for the management, co-ordination, delivery, evaluation and enhancement of the University's research activity providing a full service to the Schools on all aspects relating to research. The post holder will be required to use their own initiative to lead and manage the effective administration of research, to prioritise and action workloads as appropriate, and to bring best practice to the team. They must be proactive and flexible in delivering support to research students and academics, and be able to operate under pressure with minimal supervision in a fast-moving and changing environment. The post holder will be required to challenge and reflect on University and sector practice and utilise their extensive HE and sector knowledge and operational experience to drive the delivery of BNU's THRIVE 2028 strategy. The purpose of the job description is to indicate the general level of responsibility: the duties may vary from time to time without changing their general character or level of responsibility. Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:

• To provide high quality project management and administrative support for the development, submission and completion of BNU's application for Research Degree Awarding powers, as the key University contact with the OfS and for all staff in relation to the submission
• In partnership with academic staff and senior managers, provide sector knowledge and support to provide a high quality REF submission.
• Ensure research data is collected and managed appropriately, to enable RDAP application and to enable optimisation of REF outputs, impact and environments.
• Implement a process of output quality evaluation, with appropriately trained staff and external advice, to support academic refinement of publication strategies and enhance output quality.
• Support identification, enhancement and measurement of research impact, to enable development of high quality impact case studies.
• To be responsible for ensuring accurate research activity returns to Research England and any other external body as required and provide support for the organisation and preparation external audits related to research (HR Excellence, Athena Swan, etc.).
• To be responsible for the effective work of the Research Unit PSEs in providing professional support for the operation and development of research policy, strategy and implementation across the University.
• Monitor research performance against institutional plans and provide regular reports on all aspects of research activity to the relevant committees. To ensure that records of research activity (staff) are maintained in order to provide accurate and detailed information to schools and centrally on all aspects of the University's research performance,.
• To work with Impact centre and UOA Leads in order to ensure that schools are provided with timely and accurate advice on sources of external funds and facilitate their achievement of institutional KPIs.
• To be responsible to the Director of Enterprise and Research for the day-to-day management and administration of the University's research development budget.
• To oversee the development and approval of regulations and quality procedures related to the continuing enhancement of research provision.
• To work with the Finance Directorate to develop procedures and mechanisms for tracking research income and managing research projects.
• Work with the Director of Enterprise and Research and school leads to enhance the research culture within the University
• Ensure the effective dissemination of all aspects of research activity through the website and repository
• Maintain awareness of new developments across the sector through active engagement with relevant networks (eg CREST, Vitae, ARMA) and ensure such developments are disseminated within BNU and embedded when required.
Any other duties consistent with the post which may reasonably be required by the Director of Enterprise and Research.

Good general education A First degree or equivalent A Evidence of CPD A Knowledge and Experience Proven experience of leading, managing and motivating a team A/I A demonstrable understanding and commitment to the ethos and values of the University I A knowledge and thorough understanding of Higher Education systems, processes and procedures in the UK (with particularly reference to research activity) A/I The ability to develop effective working relationships at all levels within the University from both an academic and professional service perspective A/I Experience as an administrator at a senior level A Experience of proactive problem solving A/I Experience of analysing and reflecting on data and process and proposing change and solutions A/I Skills The ability to develop effective working relationships at all levels within the University from both an academic and professional service perspective A/I The ability and willingness to network across the sector in order to identify initiatives and best practice for implementation at BNU as appropriate A/I Ability to evaluate current practices and propose alternative approaches to enhance the effectiveness of University processes A/I Excellent written and oral communication skills A/I Excellent proven organisational and planning skills, including time management A/I Proactive and flexible attitude to work I Proven ability of working well under pressure with minimal supervision A/I Good skills using MS packages and databases A Good time management skills, with the ability to manage simultaneous projects

BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our aim is to continue to build an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That's why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed. Our University's DRIVE values and are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require. The Research Excellence and Governance Manager is pivotal to the management and enhancement of the University's research activities. This role includes overseeing the Research Support Team to achieve strategic objectives such as Research Degree Awarding Powers, improved REF submissions, and increased research income. The post holder will lead the effective administration of research, ensuring proactive and flexible support for academics and research students. Using their extensive sector knowledge, they will champion best practices, challenge existing methodologies, and align operations with BNU's THRIVE 2028 strategy. The position demands initiative, adaptability, and the ability to operate independently in a dynamic environment. This role is located in Research and Enterprise Directorate What we offer:
• a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependant on business needs)
• training & development support opportunities
• contributory pension scheme
• discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
• a range of staff discounts with major retailers.