Head of REF Delivery

Head of REF Delivery

Salary: £51,716 per annum 
Hours: Full time 
Contract Type: Open Ended (permanent) 
Location: Bristol (flexible working) 
Closing Date: 03 December 2023 

About the Research Excellence Framework (REF)

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions, with the most recent exercise concluding in 2021. It is a peer review assessment process involving submissions from higher education institutions across the UK.  Research England delivered REF 2021 on behalf of the four UK funding bodies and the results have driven the annual distribution of approximately £2 billion of research funding to UK universities. 

Purpose 

The Head of REF Delivery will play an essential role in managing the delivery of REF 2028.  You will bring valuable skills and expertise in planning, management, coordination and execution ensuring that the REF submission and assessment processes run smoothly and efficiently. You will be responsible for establishing clear project objectives, creating a detailed timeline, proactively managing resources and stakeholder expectations, within and beyond the REF 2028 team. 

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and oversee the implementation of key business processes required for successful delivery of the REF 
• Develop and monitor team plans and project plans – lead on management of resourcing and  workforce planning within budget, ensuring the project remains track, escalating to the REF Director as appropriate 
• Proactively identify and manage project risks 
• Manage the REF operating budget working closely with Research England’s Chief Operating Officer, delivering activity against budgets ensuring value for money at all times
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders and organisations involved in the REF programme 
• Lead and manage the arrangements for dealing with enquiries and providing user support to institutions and panel members 
• Leading the development and implementation of HEI submission processes 
• Line management, including recruitment and performance management 
• Acting as a key escalation point and trusted deputy for the REF Director where appropriate 

Person criteria

• Strong understanding of the complexities of managing projects, methodologies, tools, and techniques to approach these 
• Demonstrable problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to addressing challenges 
• Planning and organising/prioritisation skills, with experience of balancing and responding to different demands, and the ability to deliver at high quality and pace against multiple priorities 
• Excellent communication skills and an engaging manner. Ability to communicate in a succinct, engaging and convincing way, producing communications that are straightforward and clearly articulated for external and internal audiences as appropriate 
• Well-developed influencing and interpersonal skills; the ability to work collaboratively and create and maintain excellent working relationships with stakeholders at all levels of seniority 
• Track record in developing, delivering and continuously improving processes and adapting to change 
• Strong numeracy skills and experience of managing budgets and the exercise of financial control 

In return, UKRI can offer the successful candidate:

– Flexible Working

– 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays       

– Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme        

– Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider 

Job contact :

• Name : Recruitment@ukri.org
• Email : Recruitment@ukri.org

Recruitment team

• Email : Recruitment@ukri.org