Strategic Delivery Partner Research Strategy and Services 106826 Grade 8

Position Details

Research Strategy and Services

Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range 47389 to 56535 with potential progression once in post to 63606

Grade: 8

Full Time Permanent

Closing date: 21st January 2026

Our offer to you

People are at the heart of what we are and do.

The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years andweare equally proud to be recognised as a leading global want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond support them to succeed and celebrate their success.

We are committed to helping the people who work here todevelopthrough our sector-leading Birmingham Professional programmewhichprovides allprofessionalservices staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full almost 5000professionalservices jobs in a wide-range of functionsin Edgbaston andin our campus inDubai there are plenty of opportunities foryou to be able to develop yourcareer at the University.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas innovation and warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we areand how we work.

Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees andtothe success of the University and depending on the role we offer avarietyof flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible addition you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 dayspaid holidaya year one paid day a year for volunteering occupational sick pay and a pension scheme. We also have three high quality subsidised day nurseries.

The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus including main bus routes and a train station on campus we have a state-of-the-art sports centre with pool shopsplaces to eat and drinkour own art gallery museum and botanical gardens.

Find out more about thebenefits of working for the Universityof Birmingham

Background

We are looking for a proactive and creative professional to help drive forward key strategic initiatives across the Research Strategy & Services Division (RSSD) and support our Senior Leadership Team in shaping how the Division evolves. This new role will play a central part in delivering key strategic projects shaping effective ways of working across the Division and helping ensure that important initiatives move forward at pace and with clarity. You will help to foster a positive inclusive culture turn ideas into clear actions and produce high-quality written materials that support decision-making across the Division. If you enjoy making change happen working collaboratively with colleagues at all levels and contributing to a forward-looking people-focused professional community we would be delighted to hear from you.

Research Strategy & Services Division

The Research Strategy & Services Division (RSSD) was established to provide a cohesive expert and agile research support ecosystem for the University of Birmingham. Since 2022 the Division has evolved into a vibrant high-performing community that supports all aspects of research innovation and business engagement across the institution.

Much of this success has been made possible through a programme of cultural and operational change delivered in partnership with the Universitys Strategic Change Team. With this teams assignment now concluding we are introducing a new role to maintain momentum embed best practice and support continued evolution across the Division.

Role Summary

Reporting directly to the Director of RSSD the Strategic Delivery Partner will be a key enabler of excellence in how the Division operates communicates and delivers change. This is a new role for a motivated and capable professional with excellent judgement strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders.

The post holder will work closely with the RSSD senior leadership and divisional teams providing a blend of strategic coordination project oversight and policy support. From strengthening our internal culture and service design to taking forward key initiatives such as the Divisions Standard Operating Procedures and supporting the University Research Committee the role offers variety autonomy and visibility.

We are looking for someone who brings energy sensitivity and resilience and who thrives in a dynamic and people-focused environment. You will be an excellent writer capable of distilling complex matters into clear and engaging communications and able to represent the Director with professionalism and credibility. This is a unique opportunity for someone who enjoys making things happen and who wants to help shape a forward-looking division at the heart of a global university.

Main Duties

Strategic & operational coordination

• Act as a key advisor and delivery partner to the RSSD Senior Leadership Team (RSSD SLT) on the development and implementation of internal change communications and strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate and maintain the Divisions portfolio of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensuring they are up to date consistent and embedded into practice.
• Lead discrete projects on behalf of the RSSD SLT including strategic planning exercises major events or service design reviews.
• Provide secretariat support to the Directors College weekly College Hubs leadership meetings. Help shape agendas and ensure these forums are inclusive purposeful and well-aligned to institutional priorities.
• Support the development and delivery of the RSSD Town Hall meetings.
• Lead the Divisions response to staff engagement surveys (e.g. Have Your Say) and work with colleagues to develop and track local action plans.
• Support the development of an inclusive and positive working culture across the Division identifying opportunities for staff engagement and peer learning.
• Act as a point of contact for colleagues seeking advice on internal projects or initiatives.
• Draft clear engaging written materials for the Director and RSSD senior leadership team including reports briefings and presentations.
• Support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across RSSD by identifying and promoting best practice.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as required by the Director.

Required Knowledge Skills Qualifications Experience

• Educated to degree level or with equivalent relevant professional experience in a complex organisational setting.
• Strong track record of successfully delivering projects or internal initiatives in a change-oriented environment.
• Exceptional writing skills with the ability to produce clear persuasive content for a range of audiences.
• High degree of political sensitivity and emotional intelligence with the ability to build trust and work collaboratively at all levels.
• Experience of supporting governance or committee structures including writing formal papers and coordinating inputs from senior colleagues.
• Confident and proactive with a self-directed approach to managing priorities and delivering work to a high standard.
• Ability to synthesise complex information quickly and advise on appropriate next steps.
• Knowledge of or interest in the UK higher education and research environment.
• A collaborative mindset with a commitment to professionalism inclusivity and continuous improvement.

Please attach your CV to your application.

Informal enquiries to Catherine Cochrane email:

View our staff values and behaviours here

Use of AI in applications:We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website.