The Head of Research Excellence & Impact is a senior leadership role at the University of Bath, responsible for shaping and delivering the institution’s strategy for the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2029). Based within Research and Impact Services (RIS), this role provides strategic oversight, expert leadership, and institutional coordination to ensure high-quality, compliant, and impactful REF submissions. The position plays a central role in strengthening research excellence, impact, and culture across the University.

Key Responsibilities & Important Points for Applicants

• Role Overview
  • Full-time, open-ended senior professional services appointment at Grade 9.
  • Salary range £58,225 – £67,468 per annum.
  • Located within Research and Impact Services (RIS), working closely with senior academic leadership.
  • Closing date: 20 January 2026; interviews expected week commencing 9 February 2026.
• REF Leadership & Strategy
  • Act as the University’s lead expert and principal point of contact for the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2029).
  • Lead central REF preparations and ensure the successful delivery of high-quality, compliant REF submissions.
  • Interpret and apply REF policy, guidance, and criteria to support strategic decision-making across the institution.
• Institutional Collaboration
  • Work with a high degree of autonomy while collaborating closely with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), senior academics, and professional services colleagues.
  • Build strong partnerships across faculties and departments to embed best practice in research excellence and impact.
  • Influence senior decision-makers and support long-term strategic planning for research performance.
• Team Leadership & Research Culture
  • Lead and manage a team of research impact and research culture specialists within RIS.
  • Drive the development and embedding of best practice in research impact, outputs, environment, and culture.
  • Support continuous improvement in research governance, compliance, and reporting processes.
• Research Processes, Data & Impact
  • Oversee the use and interpretation of research-related data to inform REF strategy and institutional reporting.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of research outputs, impact case studies, and research culture indicators.
  • Ensure alignment between REF requirements and broader research strategy and policy objectives.
• Essential Experience & Skills
  • Extensive experience managing or supporting REF submissions from a professional services perspective.
  • Expert knowledge of REF 2029 criteria, guidance, and compliance requirements.
  • Proven ability to lead complex, high-stakes projects to strict deadlines.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong strategic mindset with the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams.
• Working Environment & Values
  • Join a research-intensive university where 92% of research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021.
  • The University of Bath is strongly committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and safer recruitment.
  • Work within a supportive environment that values research excellence, impact, and positive research culture.

This role is ideal for an experienced research management professional seeking a senior leadership position with significant institutional influence, responsibility for national research assessment strategy, and the opportunity to shape the future research profile of a leading UK university.