About the role An exciting opportunity exists to join the University of Sussex in the leadership role as the Head of Research Finance and Contracts. You will provide leadership to promote and maintain the University’s provision of high-quality post-award advice and support for research and innovation activity. The post-holder will lead a team managing all financial and legal aspects of awarded grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with funder and sponsor terms and conditions. You will manage the provision of project reporting to relevant stakeholders, alongside statutory reporting to ensure compliance with funding policies. You will also support grant and contract holders to maximise funding and resources to deliver agreed research and contract outcomes. A key aspect of the role is to lead on the provision of research income, cost and contribution forecasting, building robust processes to meet the annual academic planning round requirements. This is a key role, ensuring the effective delivery of strategic objectives, alongside contributing to the wider work of the Research and Innovation Services Division, working closely with the heads of each area, and as a member of the leadership team. About you We are seeking an experienced leader to join Research and Innovation Services at the University of Sussex. We are looking for an individual who can bring extensive experience in leading research finance administration processes and systems. You will have a good understanding of how grant and contract funded research, related legal contract and IP terms, with a detailed knowledge of major UK and EC funder terms work. You will bring evidenced knowledge of the national and international research and innovation funding landscape and have experience of developing and maintaining relationships with funders. You will have experience of managing and leading a large, diverse teams with differing priorities with highly effective leadership skills with the ability to motivate others to achieve. If you have experience of research finance administration processes and systems, with highly effective leadership skills and the ability to think strategically and develop excellent service provision, then we want to hear from you. About our Division Research and Innovation Services (RIS) supports Sussex researchers at all career stages to undertake ambitious and impactful research and knowledge exchange, conducted to the highest levels of integrity which contributes to the University’s globally recognised position for leading the way in innovation and research. Research and Innovation Services (RIS) is led by Claire Potter (Director of RIS) with Academic leadership from Professor Keith Jones (PVC Research & Innovation. RIS includes posts across the structure of seven teams: Innovation & Business partnerships (IBP): IBP supports academics to work with companies and public sector organisations including supporting how they form spin-out’ companies, register, protect and license intellectual property and how we provide consultancy services and CPD. Research Development & Initiatives (RESDI): RESDI provides expert advice and training on the preparation of applications for external research and innovation funding. They guide the application approvals process by checking, re-negotiating, and accepting awards. They coordinate University-wide research and KE activities in support of institutional strategic priorities; provide support for the University Research & Innovation Committee and manage institutional funding allocations and associated activities such as research culture. Research Finance and Contracts (ResFin/Contracts): The Research Finance team support the financial management of all research projects, from the set-up to the closure of all grants along with advising researchers on project funding matters and dealing with project and funder audits The contracts team support drafting, reviewing and negotiating all research contracts, collaborative agreements, MTAs, Data Agreements (for non-personal data) and Studentship Agreements. Research Ethics, Integrity & Governance (REIG): REIG provide support on the ethics approval process, advise on related governance and increase awareness of research integrity. This includes coordinating research sponsorship processes (essential research governance required for engagement in and with the NHS). Research Information, Quality and Impact (RIQI): RIQI helps researchers produce high quality research outputs and achieve real impact in the wider world. Specifically the Team supports the delivery of the University's REF submission in conjunction with institutional and school leaders and colleagues. In addition they advise and train researchers on research metrics, including responsible metrics. Sussex Researcher School (SRS): SRS enables the progression and development of emerging researchers – encompassing undergraduate junior research associates (JRAs), postgraduate researchers (PGRs) and early career researchers (ECRs) by providing support, structure, and connection across the University. Joint Clinical Research Office (JCRO)/Health Research Partnership (HRP): The JCRO functions as a 'one-stop-shop' for clinical research studies involving one of the partner Universities (University of Brighton/University of Sussex ) and an NHS Trust (Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust/University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust ). Please find further information regarding the division at Research and Innovation: University of Sussex Why work here Our university is situated off the A27, next to the beautiful South Downs where you will enjoy everything that our 150-acre campus has to offer. We are accessible by public transport; Falmer train station is a five-minute walk to campus and several bus stops are located within campus. We also have dedicated cycling paths and encourage our staff to use these with our offering of a cycle to work scheme. Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led International University and this is only possible because of the people that work here. Whether you are a member of Faculty, part of a Professional Services team or a Student, it’s our people that make us great and we want you to be part of that. Find out more about our reward and benefits package. Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion Further Key Information Please contact Claire Potter Claire.PotterSussex.ac.uk for informal enquiries. The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK. Visa Sponsorship Queries: This role may be eligible for sponsorship. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship.