Research and Governance Manager

Research and Governance Manager

Location: High Wycombe – travel to other University sites may be required

Hours: 37 hours per week

Salary: £44,746 – £56,535

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that welcomes fresh ideas and innovation, and believes in the transformative power of education.

Research and knowledge exchange are among BNU’s key priorities. This role leads the Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKO) unit, supporting the university in growing toward research priorities, aiding Colleges of Study in reaching their goals, and supporting individual researchers.

Job Purpose: The Research Governance Manager is responsible for the management, coordination, delivery, evaluation and enhancement of the university’s research activity, providing a full service to the colleges on all aspects relating to research. The role supports the university’s strategic objectives:
Research Degree Awarding Powers, a higher‑quality , and increased research income.

Key responsibilities include strategic, administrative, policy, and data management tasks that underpin research quality and impact across the university.

• Provide high‑quality project management and administrative support for the development, submission and completion of BNU’s application for Research Degree Awarding powers, acting 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 deliver a high‑quality .
• Ensure research data is collected and managed appropriately to support the RDAP application and optimise , impact and environments.
• Implement a process of output quality evaluation, with 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.
• Ensure accurate research activity returns to Research England and other external bodies as required; support organisation and preparation of external audits related to research (HR Excellence, Athena Swan, etc.).
• Lead the RKO in providing professional support for the development of research policy, strategy and implementation across the university.
• Monitor research performance against institutional plans and provide regular reports to the relevant committees; ensure records of research activity (staff) are maintained accurately.
• Work with Associate Deans (Research) to ensure colleges receive timely and accurate advice on sources of external funds and facilitate achievement of institutional KPIs.
• Oversee the development and approval of regulations and quality procedures related to continuing enhancement of research provision.
• Collaborate 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 via active engagement with relevant networks (e.g., CREST, Vitae, ARMA) and embed these developments within BNU.

Any other duties consistent with the post that may reasonably be required by the Pro‑Vice Chancellor:
Academic.

• First degree or equivalent.
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).

• Proven experience of leading, managing and motivating a team.
• Demonstrable understanding and commitment to the ethos and values of the university.
• Knowledge and thorough understanding of Higher Education systems, processes and procedures in the UK, particularly research activity.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships at all levels within the university from both an academic and professional service perspective.
• Experience as an administrator at a senior level.
• Experience of proactive problem solving.
• Experience of…