IT Project Support Officer (Research Systems & Transformation)

Glasgow - Hybrid - Outside IR35 (250+)

Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Project Support Officer to support a major research and finance systems transformation programme. The successful candidate will work closely with academic colleagues, research support teams, finance professionals, and central services stakeholders to review existing processes and contribute to the successful implementation of new enterprise systems.
This role requires a strong understanding of research administration, grants management, business process improvement, stakeholder engagement, and system implementation within a higher education or similarly complex environment.

Key Responsibilities
Business Process Review & Transformation

Review existing research and finance-related processes to assess effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
Support the development and implementation of best-practice processes aligned to new system capabilities.
Challenge existing ways of working and contribute to the design of efficient future-state processes.
Work with stakeholders to understand current pain points, reporting requirements, operational needs, and opportunities for transformation.
Support change initiatives and promote adoption of new processes and ways of working across academic and professional services communities.

Research Administration & Systems Support

Provide operational and project support throughout the implementation of new research and enterprise systems.
Assist in ensuring seamless integration between research management and financial management processes.
Support the review and development of project structures, financial controls, reporting requirements, and process workflows.
Work with stakeholders to understand the varying requirements associated with different research funding and grant models.
Contribute to testing, process validation, documentation, and user readiness activities where required.

Data & Reporting

Support the development of future-state data models through analysis of existing data and stakeholder requirements.
Assist in identifying reporting needs and ensuring data structures support effective information management and decision-making.
Maintain accurate documentation, process maps, decision logs, and programme records.
Support data quality improvement and data migration activities where appropriate.

Stakeholder Engagement

Work collaboratively with academic staff, research support teams, finance professionals, and central service departments.
Facilitate workshops, meetings, and process review sessions with key stakeholders.
Build strong working relationships to ensure requirements are understood and incorporated into future-state solutions.
Act as a key point of contact for project-related queries and communications.

Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency across research and finance-related processes.
Support knowledge sharing and development of best-practice approaches across teams.
Contribute to programme deliverables and provide wider project support as required.

Essential Criteria

Experience working in a research, higher education, financial transformation, or similar project-based environment.
Demonstrable experience supporting business change, process improvement, or systems implementation projects.
Strong understanding of research administration and/or grants management processes.
Experience engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior staff and subject matter experts.
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Desirable Criteria

Experience supporting the implementation of ERP, finance, research management, or enterprise systems.
Knowledge of research life cycle processes, including grant application, award management, project delivery, and closeout.
Experience of process mapping, requirements gathering, and workshop facilitation.
Understanding of data migration, data governance, or reporting solutions.
Experience within a complex, matrix-managed organisation.
Familiarity with research management platforms, finance systems, or integrated enterprise solutions.

Personal Attributes

Professional, proactive, and delivery-focused approach.
Ability to challenge constructively and drive continuous improvement.
Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
Comfortable working independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced transformation environment.
Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive working practices.

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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