Senior Research Development Manager(UK Visa Sponsorship Available)
Job Description
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Research Development Manager to lead one of our faculty-aligned Research Development & Initiatives teams within Research and Innovation Services (RIS). This is a strategic role focused on strengthening the University’s research funding portfolio, enhancing knowledge exchange opportunities, and improving the quality and sustainability of externally funded applications.
You will take responsibility for the operational leadership of a specialist team supporting academic colleagues across the full lifecycle of research development—from idea formation through to proposal submission and award acceptance.
Key areas of responsibility include:
Leadership & Team Management
Guide and develop a team that provides proactive, high-quality support to academic staff, ensuring consistent, professional, and effective research services.
Pre- and Post-Award Oversight
Oversee the acceptance of awards, ensure the review of contractual terms, and coordinate negotiation processes. This includes due diligence checks, export control considerations, and compliance with relevant regulations such as:
Process & Quality Improvement
Continuously evaluate and refine internal procedures to improve efficiency, enhance the quality of submissions, and strengthen the financial viability of proposals.
Stakeholder Engagement
Work collaboratively across RIS and other professional services divisions and represent the University to funders, partners, and other external stakeholders.
About You
We are looking for a proactive and adaptable professional who can independently manage a wide-ranging portfolio while also stepping in to support colleagues when needed. You will bring strong interpersonal skills, an ability to communicate complex information clearly, and a solution-focused approach.
You should be confident working with external partners, navigating funding landscapes, and offering strategic advice to academic colleagues.
About Research and Innovation Services
Our Research and Innovation Division drives the development of ideas and knowledge that contribute to global progress. Through our strategic pillars—People, Research Strengths, Interdisciplinarity, Integrity, Grant Capture, and International Reputation—we support a thriving research culture.
In the past year alone, the University submitted 800 funding bids and secured 247 new awards.
More information can be found on the University of Sussex Research & Innovation website.
Why Join Sussex?
Located beside the stunning South Downs National Park, our 150-acre campus offers a vibrant working environment with excellent transport links via rail, bus, and cycle routes. We offer a wide range of staff benefits, including wellbeing initiatives, development opportunities, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
Sussex is a research-intensive, internationally recognised institution committed to inclusion and excellence. Our people—academic, professional, and student—are at the heart of what we do.
