About the role

The Research and Innovation Policy and Governance Officer plays a key role in supporting the University's research governance and assurance framework. The post holder provides high-quality secretariat and administrative support to a range of Research and Innovation committees, including the University Research and Innovation Committee, the University Ethics Committee, and other working groups. They are responsible for coordinating committee business, preparing agendas and papers, taking accurate minutes, managing follow-up actions, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements

The role also involves maintaining and reviewing Research and Innovation policies, procedures, and webpages to ensure they remain accurate, accessible, and up to date. Working closely with committee chairs, senior academic colleagues, and professional services teams, the post holder acts as a central point of contact for governance-related enquiries and contributes to assurance activities, audits, and regulatory projects across the University. The position requires a high degree of organisation, autonomy, and attention to detail to support the effective operation of the University's research and innovation activities. 

This role is permanent and is available as a full-time opportunity, but 0.8 FTE can be considered.

About you

The successful candidate will be an experienced administrator with excellent organisational skills and a proven ability to manage complex documentation accurately and efficiently. They will possess strong written and verbal communication skills, be confident using Microsoft Office applications, and have the ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues at all levels of the organisation. Experience of document control and handling sensitive or confidential information with discretion is essential. 

Candidates should be able to work independently, prioritise competing demands, and apply sound judgement when dealing with routine and non-routine issues. They will demonstrate strong planning, problem-solving, and customer service skills, alongside a commitment to continuous improvement. Experience supporting senior committees, governance bodies, or regulatory functions would be advantageous, as would an understanding of working within a highly regulated or compliance-focused environment.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the online application form in which you will be asked some criteria questions to help us understand your suitability for the position. You may also submit a CV and supporting letter to complement your application; however, applications submitted without a completed online application form will not be considered. Please note that we are unable to accept CV-only applications.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Elizabeth Bailey, Head of Assurance: e.bailey@surrey.ac.uk

Closing Date: 25 Aug 2026

Area: Professional Services

Salary: £28,031 to £31,236 per annum

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.  

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.  

The role

We are looking for an Innovation Manager – Business Engagement to help grow and embed knowledge exchange activity across the University, supporting academics and business partners to turn research strengths into real-world benefit. This is a full time fixed-term role until July 2027, with the potential to be extended.

Working within Research, Innovation and Impact, you will build productive relationships between the University and businesses, particularly SMEs, helping to identify opportunities for collaboration, funding and impact. You will play an important role in supporting the University’s innovation ambitions by connecting researchers with external organisations, developing business-led projects and helping to deliver outcomes that contribute to research impact and knowledge exchange.

In this role, you will:

• Work with academic colleagues and other internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for business engagement, collaborative research, knowledge exchange and business-led innovation activity.
• Promote the University’s research strengths and expertise to external organisations, building and maintaining strong relationships with businesses, sector partners, funders and other external stakeholders.
• Support the development of innovation funding applications, in particular opportunities linked to Innovate UK, and other business-led collaboration funding routes.
• Maintain a pipeline and portfolio of business-led innovation and engagement projects, ensuring collaborations are productive, sustainable, aligned with University strategy, and evidenced in support of the University’s impact ambitions, including REF, KEF and other knowledge exchange outcomes.

This is an opportunity to work at the interface between research, innovation and industry, helping ideas move from academic expertise into practical application and wider societal and economic benefit.

About you

We are looking for someone who can build strong relationships, spot opportunities and support innovation funding applications through to successful outcomes.

You will bring:

• A relevant degree or postgraduate qualification, or equivalent substantial vocational and professional experience in a related role.
• Experience of knowledge exchange, innovation, business engagement or research impact activity.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage a varied portfolio of work and deliver to deadlines.
• Experience of working with businesses, including start-ups or SMEs, and an understanding of business needs, commercial drivers, business plans or financial considerations.
• Experience of identifying, scoping, and supporting applications for innovation, knowledge exchange or business-led collaboration funding. 
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to work with academics, businesses, funders and senior stakeholders.
• The ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, sound judgement and professionalism.

How to apply

Please apply online through the University of Surrey recruitment system, submitting your CV and answering the selection criteria.

For informal queries about the role, please contact Jenny Ritchie, Head of Innovation and Impact: j.a.ritchie@surrey.ac.uk

Interviews will take place in person on campus on Wednesday 23rd September.

Closing Date: 30 Aug 2026

Area: Professional Services

Salary: £47,389 to £51,753 per annum
Fixed Term until 31/07/2027