Job Title

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). We work in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients, and the public. The NIHR funds, enables, and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth. We are also a major funder of applied health research in low- and middle-income countries.Job DescriptionWe are looking for a Programme Manager to join our Research Programmes Directorate to help drive the strategic development and the delivery of both NIHR and non-NIHR research funding programmes. The successful candidates will play a key role within the NIHR Policy Research Programme, but the appointed person may be deployed to support other Programmes and initiatives, such as Climate Change, Work and Health, Long COVID, Artificial Intelligence for Multiple Long-term Conditions (AIM) etc.At the heart of these investments is a commitment to reducing health inequalities, reconfiguring the health, social care and public health systems in areas and for populations living with the greatest burden. In order to genuinely deliver on the research investments made by GMG customers, meaningful and sustainable engagement at multiple levels is required. Key stakeholders will include communities, local authorities, industry, regulators, policy makers, academics and clinicians.The roles will cover the full end-to-end process of research management, from designing new schemes to launching new calls for applications through to the active monitoring of funded projects and will require an ability to work collaboratively with other team members and across organisations. The posts provide the opportunity for exciting external liaison, with interfaces to UK government, academia, industry and the clinical community.Key AccountabilitiesSupport all aspects of research funding, including:Identifying and articulating research investment opportunitiesAdvising applicants and revising application forms and guidanceReviewing funding applications and coordinating peer reviewOverseeing and attending funding committee meetingsProviding feedback to successful and unsuccessful applicantsConduct due diligence on healthcare-related proposals:Assess scientific, technical, and clinical rationaleEvaluate value for money and IP/freedom to operate positionsReview dissemination, adoption, and commercialisation strategiesNegotiate funding agreements:Agree milestones, deliverables, financial terms, and reporting requirementsManage a portfolio of funded projects:Monitor scientific, clinical, and financial performanceReview IP and dissemination plansManage contractual changes to ensure strategic project outcomesLiaise with stakeholders:Organise and lead meetings, represent the funder’s perspectivePromote and represent funding programmes externallyWider ActivitiesSupport strategic initiatives led by Senior Research Programme ManagersDraft SOPs, templates, and guidance documentsProduce high-quality meeting minutes, outcome letters, and reportsOrganise, attend, and chair internal and external meetingsRespond to urgent Parliamentary Questions or Department of Health briefingsIdentify and implement process improvements for operational excellenceDevelop and maintain strong professional relationships across teams, award holders, NIHR, and customer organisations, acting as a role model at all levelsQualifications & ExperienceEssential CriteriaA degree in biomedical, health, or social sciencesExperience in research management, ideally within a healthcare settingDemonstrated success in stakeholder management across multiple organisationsProven track record in managing projects and programmesStrategic thinker with the ability to interpret complex informationStrong analytical and complex problem-solving abilities, with a solution-focused approachHighly developed communication, incl. experience liaising with external stakeholdersDesired CriteriaA PhD in a medical, scientific, technical, or social disciplineUnderstanding of the UK’s health and care research landscapeKey CompetenciesManaged research projects across funding oversight, application review, due diligence, contracting, and monitoringBuilt strong stakeholder relationships, representing funder perspectives in internal and external meetingsAligned project outcomes with strategic programme goals and delivered operational improvementsDrafted SOPs, reports, and guidance with clarity and precisionChaired meetings, guided stakeholders, and led by example across diverse organisational settingsCompensation, Benefits & Working Arrangements:Salary: £40,300Location: Twickenham, London / Hybrid working modelContract Type: Full Time, PermanentWorking Hours: 7.5 hours per dayAnnual Leave: 25 days, plus UK public holidaysEmployee Benefits Include:Annual bonus, subject to company performanceEnhanced Contributory Pension SchemeLife Insurance CoverBenenden Healthcare MembershipTraining and Development OpportunitiesSeason Ticket LoanThis is a Twickenham, office based, hybrid role, with an expectation for all employees to attend our offices a minimum of one day a week, four days a month, and may increase, subject to team requirements.ApplicationIf you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a 'Statement of Suitability' that showcases your key skills and experiences in relation to the 'Essential Criteria' outlined in the job description. Additionally, share your enthusiasm for working with NIHR.NB: Closing date for applications is 5pm on the 29th August, interviews to be held remotely from 8th September. Our Commitment to Equality and DiversityLGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.