Overview
Head of Research Operations – INTERNAL ONLY – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
THIS VACANCY IS OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY
About us
This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role delivering high-quality research administration within the Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy (SSPP). Home to four inter-disciplinary Schools, Global and Policy Institutes, and the International School for Government, SSPP is one of the largest, most diverse and international communities for social research and education in Europe. We are looking for an ambitious and experienced leader who can help us build on these successes and continue to improve and evolve our world-class research experience. For more information about the faculty, please see our website: www.kcl.ac.uk/sspp.
About the role
The Head of Research Operations is a key senior-level professional services role acting as the interface between the university’s Research Management Information Directorate and the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy in our shared accountabilities for delivering the university’s strategic ambitions defined in Vision 2029: www.kcl.ac.uk/about/strategy/vision-2029
As a key member of the faculty’s Senior Professional Services Leadership team, the role holder will oversee all academic administrative processes and lead a team to deliver high performance and an outstanding level of service and support. Working closely with the Vice Dean (Research) the role holder will be instrumental in shaping and delivering the Faculty’s Research Strategy.
Reporting to the Director of Operations, the successful candidate will be a strong leader with experience of line management and creating high-performing, motivated administration teams. They will have extensive experience of delivering excellent research administration and experience in a fast-paced and demanding environment. Communication with diverse audiences and building collaborative relationships is a key aspect of the role, so we are looking for a confident and self-assured individual with demonstrable experience of building networks and influencing and negotiating with stakeholders. They will have a commitment to continuous improvement and excellent interpersonal skills.
This is a full- time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract.
This is a hybrid post, with the post-holder expected to be on-campus for a minimum of 40% of the time (two days a week).
About you
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
Essential criteria
- Proactive and authentic approach to leadership, experience of line management, building and managing high performing teams, including motivating staff and performance management.
- Application of evidence-based analytical, creative, and constructive thinking and effective change management.
- Ability to engage in collaborative working across King’s and an ability to build, sustain and develop relationships at all levels, internally and externally, using persuasion and influence to achieve agreed objectives.
- Experience of delivering high value-add services to stakeholders, delivering at pace, with accuracy and to high standards.
- Ability to interpret and apply regulatory frameworks, policies and procedures and to advise others on their application.
- Excellent task management skills and proven ability to use initiative, prioritise workloads for self and others and respond positively to competing demands and deadlines.
- Highly effective communication skills attuned to audience requirements and delivered in different formats.
- Evidence of continuous professional development and relevant leadership training.
Desirable criteria
- Prior experience in a higher education administration environment providing research management support.
- Sound working knowledge of Higher Education Research management enterprise systems (e.g. Worktribe, Pure)
Downloading a copy of our Job Description
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
