Job Purpose

To provide professional leadership and strategic direction for the development and delivery of the College of Social Sciences (CoSS) Research Service provision. The Research Strategy Manager works in close collaboration with the Director of Research, Engagement and Impact, and provides BAU (business as usual) support to the Dean of Research. The role ensures alignment with institutional priorities, strengthens the sustainability of large-scale investments, enhances research performance, and leads coordination across the research development service.

The post also supports strategic bid development, interdisciplinary collaboration, EU funding engagement, and the management of the Grant Writing Specialist (GRS) and wider Research Development (RD) team in line with College priorities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.  Support and contribute into, the strategic planning and implementation of research development in alignment with the College Research Support Office (CRSO) strategy and the broader College and University vision.

2.  Collaborative Service Delivery – Reporting into the Director of Research, Engagement and Impact and as part of the senior research office team, work in close partnership with the Research Operations Manager and Engagement and Impact Manager to deliver a cohesive and aligned research support service.

3.  Sustainability of Large Investments – Ensure long-term sustainability of key investments including CREATe and UNESCO projects, leveraging institutional strengths and funder alignment.

4.  Grant Writing Support Coordination – Lead coordination and quality improvement of grant writing services across the College, including line management of the Grant Writing Specialist (GRS).

5.  EU Funding Engagement and Expertise – Build capacity for improved engagement with EU funding streams through specialist knowledge and proactive targeting of opportunities.

6.  Innovation and Engagement Connectivity – Facilitate CoSS’s connection to the Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Engagement Directorate (IEED), supporting the College’s networking and collaboration with the innovation ecosystem.

7.  Support for Dean of Research and REF – act as Research Development point of contact for day-to-day support to the Dean of Research and contribute directly to REF preparation and research excellence initiatives.

8.  Large/Strategic Bid Development – Step in to lead or support the development of strategic or large-scale bids where no specific RD post is assigned (e.g., in T&F, ASBS, or interdisciplinary areas).

9.  Enhanced RD Service Cohesion – Drive service cohesion and continuous improvement of research development offerings, contributing to a culture of excellence and collaboration across the CRSO, College and University.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge /Qualifications

Essential

A1 Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline/business area with evidence of continued professional development in an area relevant to the role.

A2 Understanding of academic environment including the complex mix of pressures, constraints and motivations of academic staff, schools, research institutes, the college and the institution.

A3 Understanding of the dynamics of the government, research councils, EU and industrial research funding market worldwide, including the funding landscape for collaborative research and development with research users, and particularly funding regimes regulatory frame works and the extent to which funders will cover the Full Economic Cost (FEC) of projects.

A4 Deep understanding of the structures and priorities of private sector potential funders and partners.

A5 A well-developed network of contacts with all relevant funders.

A6 Understanding of the process of brokerage between academic researchers and businesses, to develop common goals and deliver collaborations.

A7 Leadership and development (direct/indirect) of staff resources.

Desirable

B1 PhD or knowledge and experience in a subject relevant to the College.

Skills

Essential

C1 Highly developed brokerage and influencing skills.

C2 Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate at all levels.

C3 Excellent organisational skills.

C4 High degree of numeracy.

C5 Excellent eye for detail and accuracy.

C6 High level of influencing and negotiating skills.

C7 Highly developed IT skills, particularly database and excel related.

C8 Ability to think strategically and provide input to strategic planning processes.

C9 Ability to exercise initiative.

C10 Data analysis and presentation skills.

C11 Ability to work independently and as part of/leadership of a team.

C12 Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing environments.

Experience

Essential

E1 Significant experience of research development and business engagement in any setting.

E2 Experience of working with researchers to develop proposals and applications for funding.

E3 Experience of successfully developing business partnerships and funded projects.

E4 Experience of successfully developing and implementing marketing approaches and strategies.

E5 Experience of market research and analysis approaches to evaluate target markets for College research and development capabilities, services, infrastructure and expertise.

Desirable

F1 Experience of working with research funders, particularly the ESRC.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 8, £49,559 - £57,422 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended (permanent).  Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate. 

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing Date:  4 August 2025