Pricing and Awards Assistant

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.OverviewWe are looking for a highly organised Pricing and Awards Assistant to join our fast-paced, customer-focused Pricing Team within Research Operations. This is a busy and varied role where strong communication skills, sharp attention to detail and the proven ability to juggle multiple priorities and tight deadlines are essential.You’ll be a key contact for academic and professional services staff, providing advice and operational support on research costings, funding applications and award preparation. Your core focus will be ensuring accuracy, compliance and value, guiding submissions on behalf of the University and supporting the smooth administrative setup of successful research awards.A strong grasp of funder guidance, University procedures, and Financial Directives will be vital. You’ll apply this knowledge when managing approvals and using our internal Costing & Awards Tool to review and administer research applications and awards; ensuring every costing is both compliant and maximised.Additionally, you’ll handle essential administrative tasks such as maintaining accurate data. You’ll play an active role in improving systems and processes, this includes delivering in-house training, writing guidance materials, and helping to improve team workflows. Collaboration is key as you’ll work closely within a small team and work regularly with other research support teams.Main Duties And ResponsibilitiesProvide expert advice and administrative support for academic and professional services staff on the operational aspect of research costings, applications and awards.Work as part of a small team to ensure cover for enquiries between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, collaborating with team members to allocate workload according to need.Keep up-to-date knowledge of funder guidance. Ensure responses to enquiries take account of current funder guidance, University procedures and processes—including the Financial Directives—and follow the agreed team guidance.Use the Costing & Awards Tool (internal system) to administer research costings, applications and handovers.Complete checks and administer approvals for the submission of research projects in line with agreed processes, proactively encouraging budgets to be both accurate and maximised.Submit research applications on behalf of the University in accordance with agreed policies and procedures, ensuring external deadlines are met.Prepare successful research awards in line with agreed procedures; working closely with colleagues to ensure budgets are accurate, all relevant agreements and approvals are in place and all documentation and information is provided to colleagues in Finance.Maintain accurate data on research programmes / schemes and organisations involved in research projects.Create and maintain electronic files and information logs in line with agreed team procedures. Ensure information is filed in a timely and accurate manner.Provide in-house training to University staff on using the Costing & Awards Tool and external application submission systems.Provide written guidance and web updates for the operational aspects of research costings, applications and awards.Develop and maintain a network of internal peer support with colleagues in other research support teams to facilitate efficient operational processes.Contribute to improve current IT systems, workflow and team procedures.As a member of our Professional staff you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the professional behaviours set out in the Sheffield Professional Framework. Please follow this link for further information: Sheffield Professional Framework.Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.Person Specification Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.CriteriaEssential Or DesirableStage(s) assessed atProven ability to quickly learn and apply new information, with flexibility to adapt knowledge to a range of situations and tasks.EssentialApplication/interviewAbility to analyse and interpret a wide range of information and data, to provide accurate, insightful advice to colleagues and stakeholders.EssentialApplication/interviewCustomer-focused and solutions-oriented, with a track record of resolving problems while considering the specific context and needs of different stakeholders.EssentialApplication/interviewEffective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey information clearly and appropriately to different audiences.EssentialApplication/interviewAbility to exercise sound judgement, identifying when to escalate issues or seek further guidance.EssentialApplication/interviewEvidence of excellent attention to detail under pressure and in response to tight deadlines.EssentialApplication/interviewExperience working with budgets or financial information, demonstrating an excellent standard of numeracy and financial awareness.EssentialApplication/interviewConfidence using systems and databases, with a practical understanding of how to work with digital tools to manage and process information efficiently..EssentialApplication/interviewProven ability to work collaboratively within and across teams, contributing to a supportive, high-performing work environment.EssentialApplication/interviewA commitment to continuous development both through system improvements and via procedures.EssentialApplication/interviewAn understanding of the research funding environment in higher education, particularly the principles of full economic costing and funder compliance requirements.DesirableApplication/interviewFurther InformationGrade5DurationPermanentLine managerPricing Team ManagerDirect reportsN/AOur websitehttps://sheffield.ac.uk/rpiFor informal enquiries about this job contact Jenny Newsome, Pricing Team Manager: on j.newsome@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 1431Next steps in the recruitment processIt is anticipated that the selection process will take place on Tuesday 27th January 2026. This will consist of an interview and test. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 19th January 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Alison Hunt at a.m.hunt@sheffield.ac.ukOur vision and strategic planWe are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).What We Offer A minimum of 35 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.Generous pension scheme.A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework. A range of generous family-friendly policiespaid time off for parenting and caring emergenciessupport for those going through the menopausepaid time off and support for fertility treatmentand moreMore details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.Baseline personnel security standardThis role requires the postholder to undertake a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check as a condition of employment.Closing Date : 09/01/2026We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.