Cardiff University

Cardiff University is one of the largest universities in the UK and the only Welsh member of the Russell Group. Our vision is to be a world-leading, research-excellent, and educationally outstanding university with a transformative social, cultural and economic impact for Cardiff, Wales, the UK and the world. We are firmly grounded in our sense of place and our economic impact is significant, with an estimated contribution of £3.7 billion in 2020-21.

Cardiff University has a comprehensive research and innovation base that is growing in strength and number, with a live grant portfolio worth over £600 million. Our performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021) confirmed Cardiff as 14^th for research power, a top 20 institution in terms of overall quality, and highlighted our particular strength in creating research with impact, with Cardiff ranked 11^th amongst UK universities and 1^st amongst those in devolved nations. We have bold ambitions to build on this foundation, with a talented community of researchers at our core. We are prioritising an inclusive and vibrant research culture, collaborating with our many partners to deliver research that matters to the communities that we serve.

We are now looking to appoint a new Director to lead our Research, and Innovation Services (RIS). The Director will bring strategic leadership to RIS and its 120 expert staff and be responsible for an operating budget in excess of £4.5 million pa. They will work closely with the research community and provide world-class support for research and innovation activities, ensuring the right processes and structures are in place by delivering the Future Research Programme, and engaging with relevant networks to act as a source of advice and intelligence in all maters relating to the Department’s remit. The Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer and is a member of the Professional Services Board, working closely with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (PVC) for Research, Innovation and Enterprise.

Strong candidates for the role will bring experience of successful leadership of research and innovation in a university or related environment at relevant scale, with the ability to provide strategic vision and empowering leadership as well as to drive improvement and change. Strengths in relationship building – both internally and externally – and a strong service orientation will also be key, as will the ability to embrace Cardiff’s values and commitment to inclusiveness.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Cardiff University on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference IBKRA. Alternatively, telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by 09:00 on Thursday 16^th November.