Research and Governance Manager (1907)
Research and Governance Manager
Research and Governance Manager
Location - High Wycombe
Permanent - 37 Hours
Salary - £44,746 - £56,535
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.
Research and knowledge exchange are among are key priorities here at BNU. As such, as part of our inclusive research and knowledge exchange strategy, we are looking to recruit exceptional research support staff. We want colleagues who can take the initiative to support the university in growing toward our research priorities, support Colleges of study in reaching their own goals, and support individual researchers toward their targets.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to lead the Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKO) unit at BNU, responsible for the management, coordination, delivery, evaluation, and enhancement of our research activity.
What we offer:
- a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
- Hybrid working (dependent 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.
Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.
Please click here to view our employee handbook.
If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.
For further information about this role please contact Professor Jermaine M Ravalier (Pro-Vice Chancellor, Academic) on: vice.chancellor.office@bnu.ac.uk
All applications are to be made in full and online.
BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.
Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to [insert contact information or LM or People Team) if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you
We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.
Closing Date: Sunday 11th Jan 2026
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
Please note that an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required for this position.¿ The successful applicant will be required to give consent to check their criminal record status through the DBS. Information will be kept in strict confidence.¿ Your offer of appointment will be subject to the University being satisfied with the outcome of this check.
If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.
Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
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Job Title: Research and Governance Manager |
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Directorate: Research and Knowledge Exchange Office (RKO) |
Grade: H |
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Location: High Wycombe – travel to other University sites may be required |
Hours: 37 hours per week |
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Responsible to: Pro-Vice Chancellor: Academic |
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Responsible for: Research Professional Service Employees (PSEs) within the RKO |
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Job Purpose: The Research 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 Colleges on all aspects relating to research. To lead on the expansion of the remit 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 Colleges 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.
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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 RKO 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 Associate Deans (Research) in order to ensure that Colleges are provided with timely and accurate advice on sources of external funds and facilitate their achievement of institutional KPIs.
- 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 Pro-Vice Chancellor: Academic and Associate Deans (Research) 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 Pro-Vice Chancellor: Academic
PERSON SPECIFICATION
A = Application T = Test I = Interview
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Education, Qualifications & Training |
Means of Testing |
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Good general education |
A |
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First degree or equivalent |
A |
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Evidence of CPD |
A |
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Knowledge and Experience |
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Proven experience of leading, managing and motivating a team |
A/I |
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A demonstrable understanding and commitment to the ethos and values of the University |
I |
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A knowledge and thorough understanding of Higher Education systems, processes and procedures in the UK (with particularly reference to research activity) |
A/I |
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The ability to develop effective working relationships at all levels within the University from both an academic and professional service perspective |
A/I |
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Experience as an administrator at a senior level |
A |
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Experience of proactive problem solving |
A/I |
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Experience of analysing and reflecting on data and process and proposing change and solutions |
A/I |
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Skills |
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The ability to develop effective working relationships at all levels within the University from both an academic and professional service perspective |
A/I |
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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 |
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Ability to evaluate current practices and propose alternative approaches to enhance the effectiveness of University processes |
A/I |
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Excellent written and oral communication skills |
A/I |
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Excellent proven organisational and planning skills, including time management |
A/I |
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Proactive and flexible attitude to work |
I |
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Proven ability of working well under pressure with minimal supervision |
A/I |
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Good skills using MS packages and databases |
A |
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Good time management skills, with the ability to manage simultaneous projects |
A/I |
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Methodical and accurate approach – meticulous attention to detail |
A/I |
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Special Requirements |
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Willingness to work flexible hours as required |
A/I |
