"Research Planning and Operations Manager"

University of Birmingham - Research and Strategy and Services

Placed On: 24th March 2026
Closes: 12th April 2026
Job Ref: 8827 / 107045

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression once in post to £63,606
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent

Brief JD

As part of a strategic reorganisation, the Research Strategy & Services Division has established a new Research Performance & Systems Innovation Team with responsibility for research performance oversight, REF management, systems innovation and research data. The Research Planning & Operations Manager is a key, permanent role within this team, providing senior operational leadership for REF and research planning activity and translating strategic direction into high-quality, well-coordinated delivery. While REF2029 is a major initial focus, the role is designed to play a continuing part in shaping and delivering the University’s longer-term research strategy.

Working closely with academic leads, College research teams and central professional services colleagues, you will support the operational planning and coordination of the University’s REF2029 submission, manage project plans and timetables, and oversee REF-related data collection, validation and assurance processes. Beyond REF, the role offers significant opportunity to contribute

Person spec

• Significant experience of delivering complex, time-critical operational processes within a research-intensive or similarly complex organisation.
• Strong working knowledge of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) or equivalent large-scale assessment, planning or compliance exercises.
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams, competing priorities and tight deadlines with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience of coordinating stakeholders across organisational boundaries, including academic and professional services colleagues.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to work confidently with data, plans, and detailed documentation.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to produce clear guidance and high-quality papers for senior audiences.
• Ability to operate with a high degree of initiative, judgement and professionalism in a sensitive and high-profile environment.

Desirable

• Direct experience of REF submission processes, Codes of Practice, or REF-related data and systems.
• Experience of research planning, performance management or research environment activity in a UK higher education context.
• Familiarity with research information systems such as Pure, Worktribe or Core Fusion.
• Experience supporting or delivering change programmes or process improvement initiatives.

Informal enquiries to Carolyn Silvester, email: c.silvester@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working