Hays
IT Project Support Officer

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills