The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
Grants Operations Manager
Salary: £36,650 Per Annum
Hours: Full Time or Part Time (Minimum 0.8 FTE)
Contract Type: Fixed Term (End Date 13/03/2026)
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire (Hybrid)
Grade: UKRI Band D
Positions Available: 1
Closing Date: 14 April 25
Context
UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, and a vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) supports world-class research that furthers our understanding of human culture and creativity. It supports research and postgraduate training in a wide range of subject areas, from ancient history and heritage science to modern dance and digital content.
The Operations Team supports the strategic themes within AHRC to deliver successful funding opportunities. The team covers three main areas: Grants delivery, Policy and Process and the AHRC’s peer review college.
Purpose
This post within the Operations team will manage delivery of our open grant application schemes and strategic funding opportunities. This is a pivotal role as the successful delivery of these opportunities and schemes depends not only on those who process grants, but in their management as well.
Main Outputs
* You will work with staff across a range of teams, and across sister organisations in UKRI ensuring all open schemes and strategic funding opportunities are delivered to time and quality, using key performance indicators (KPIs) and other monitoring techniques.
* You will be responsible for the operational management and administration of our open application schemes and strategic funding opportunities.
* Together with the other Operations Managers, you will task and line manage the team’s Funding Officers, ensuring a fair distribution of workload and high levels of performance.
* You will manage the forward planning of schemes and funding opportunities in a collaborative manner.
* You will understand and advise on grants policy, particularly for funding opportunities you oversee.
* You will act as a subject matter expert on operational funding activity and feed into the operational training programme.
* You will manage award maintenance activities and ensure an even distribution of workload across the teams’ Funding Officers.
* You will work collaboratively with other Operations Managers to ensure consistency in grants processing across all schemes and funding opportunities.
* You will run panel meetings for schemes and funding opportunities.
* You will ensure that funding outcomes are communicated effectively and post-award processes are effectively managed.
* You will be actively involved in continuous improvement work and will identify any operational process-related issues.
* You will work with the Data Analysis team to ensure that reporting is in place to inform Senior Managers of grants processing performance.
Shortlisting Criteria
Essential:
* You are a self-starter and take ownership of your work; motivated to achieve outcomes and take initiative to improve policy or process. (S+I)
* You can think creatively, solve problems and make effective decisions. (S+I)
* You are a strong and positive team worker with great interpersonal and influencing skills. (S+I)
* You are an excellent communicator, both verbal and written. (S+I)
* You understand how to handle data sensitively and accurately. (S+I)
* You can proactively plan and prioritise your work and that of others. (S+I)
* You can demonstrate an ability to manage and supervise the work of others. (S+I)
* You possess a good working knowledge of IT and databases. (S)
Desirable:
* You have a good understanding of research funding, higher education or research. (S+I)
APPLICATIONS
Online applications only for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for the role.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion.
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