Programme Manager

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 Description

We are looking for a Programme Managerto 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 Accountabilities

Support all aspects of research funding, including:

• Identifying and articulating research investment opportunities
• Advising applicants and revising application forms and guidance
• Reviewing funding applications and coordinating peer review
• Overseeing and attending funding committee meetings
• Providing feedback to successful and unsuccessful applicants
• Conduct due diligence on healthcare-related proposals:
• Assess scientific, technical, and clinical rationale
• Evaluate value for money and IP/freedom to operate positions
• Review dissemination, adoption, and commercialisation strategies
• Negotiate funding agreements:
• Agree milestones, deliverables, financial terms, and reporting requirements
• Manage a portfolio of funded projects:
• Monitor scientific, clinical, and financial performance
• Review IP and dissemination plans
• Manage contractual changes to ensure strategic project outcomes
• Liaise with stakeholders:
• Organise and lead meetings, represent the funder’s perspective
• Promote and represent funding programmes externally

Wider Activities

• Support strategic initiatives led by Senior Research Programme Managers
• Draft SOPs, templates, and guidance documents
• Produce high-quality meeting minutes, outcome letters, and reports
• Organise, attend, and chair internal and external meetings
• Respond to urgent Parliamentary Questions or Department of Health briefings
• Identify and implement process improvements for operational excellence
• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships across teams, award holders, NIHR, and customer organisations, acting as a role model at all levels

Qualifications & Experience

Essential Criteria

• A degree in biomedical, health, or social sciences
• Experience in research management, ideally within a healthcare setting
• Demonstrated success in stakeholder management across multiple organisations
• Proven track record in managing projects and programmes
• Strategic thinker with the ability to interpret complex information
• Strong analytical and complex problem-solving abilities, with a solution-focused approach
• Highly developed communication, incl. experience liaising with external stakeholders

Desired Criteria

• A PhD in a medical, scientific, technical, or social discipline
• Understanding of the UK’s health and care research landscape

Key Competencies

• Managed research projects across funding oversight, application review, due diligence, contracting, and monitoring
• Built strong stakeholder relationships, representing funder perspectives in internal and external meetings
• Aligned project outcomes with strategic programme goals and delivered operational improvements
• Drafted SOPs, reports, and guidance with clarity and precision
• Chaired meetings, guided stakeholders, and led by example across diverse organisational settings

Compensation, Benefits & Working Arrangements:

• Salary:£40,300
• Location:Twickenham, London / Hybrid working model
• Contract Type:Full Time, Permanent
• Working Hours:7.5 hours per day
• Annual Leave:25 days, plus UK public holidays

Employee Benefits Include:

• Annual bonus, subject to company performance
• Enhanced Contributory Pension Scheme
• Life Insurance Cover
• Benenden Healthcare Membership
• Training and Development Opportunities
• Season Ticket Loan

This 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.

Application

If 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 Diversity

LGC 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.