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- Tasks: Lead and manage innovative R&D programmes in creative technology.
- Company: Join Royal Holloway, a leading university driving UK’s creative industries forward.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and a supportive, inclusive team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a nationally significant programme with real impact on the future economy.
- Qualifications: Experience in project delivery, financial management, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Role based at Egham campus and Pinewood Studios, starting 29th September 2025.
The predicted salary is between 49325 - 58345 £ per year.
CoSTAR National R&D Lab Head of Programme Delivery
Join to apply for the CoSTAR National R&D Lab Head of Programme Delivery role at Royal Holloway, University of London
CoSTAR National R&D Lab Head of Programme Delivery
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Join to apply for the CoSTAR National R&D Lab Head of Programme Delivery role at Royal Holloway, University of London
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CoSTAR National R&D Lab Head of Programme Delivery
Story Futures Strategic Business Unit
Location
Egham
Salary
£49,325 to £58,345 per annum – including London Allowance
Post Type
Full Time
Hours per Week
35
Weeks per Year
52
Closing Date
23.59 hours BST on Sunday 10 August 2025
Reference
0725-162
Right to work: Please note that it will not be possible for the University to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the successful candidate for this position. Therefore, the appointable candidate will need to be eligible to work in the UK or have leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with the University, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.
Full-Time, Permanent
The Role
The CoSTAR National R&D Lab , led by Royal Holloway, University of London , is seeking a strategic, driven, and collaborative Head of Programme Delivery to help lead one of the UK’s most exciting and ambitious creative R&D programmes.
This is a pivotal role within our core Operations Team, where you’ll work closely with senior leadership and workstream leads to deliver the groundbreaking CoSTAR National R&D Lab and a series of innovation programmes that place creative technology at the heart of the UK’s future economy.
As Head of Programme Delivery , you will oversee the day-to-day operational management and delivery of this multi-faceted programme. You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth implementation, tracking, and reporting of complex, large-scale R&D activities, working across academic, creative, and tech sectors.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building processes, thrives on solving problems collaboratively, and has a sharp eye for both the big picture and the small details.
About The National R&D Lab
Backed by a £51.1 million UK Government investment (AHRC/UKRI) , the CoSTAR National R&D Lab is the UK’s flagship initiative to support the screen and performance industries through world-class research, innovation, and infrastructure.
Led by Royal Holloway , and in partnership with major industry and academic players including University of Surrey, Abertay University , the National Film & Television School , Pinewood Studios, BT and Disguise, the Lab brings together cutting-edge technologies — such as AI, virtual production, and 5G — with world-leading research in storytelling, media production, psychology, and creative tech.
At the Lab’s core is a commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability , embedded in everything from team culture to project design and delivery.
What You Will Be Doing
- Create and manage key documentation: budgets, cost monitors, resourcing plans, risk registers, evaluation frameworks, and reporting tools.
- Working with workstream leads of the CoSTAR National R&D Lab’s innovation programmes, ensuring projects run efficiently, on time, and within budget.
- Build strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders across industry and academia.
- Strategic planning and collaborative problem-solving across a complex and dynamic project landscape.
- Deliver quarterly and annual reports, working closely with monitoring & evaluation leads, as well as other updates and reports for governance boards, as required.
- Ensure financial and procurement processes meet institutional and funder requirements.
- Provide line management and support within a matrix organisational structure.
- Contribute to the development of future grant bids and strategic funding plans.
Who We\’re Looking For
You should apply if you:
- Thrive in innovation environments and enjoy working across multiple disciplines, including technology, research, and creative industries.
- Have a strong track record in programme or project delivery, especially across large, multi-stakeholder initiatives with significant budgets in the millions of pounds sterling.
- Are financially literate and love a spreadsheet — you’re confident managing large budgets and financial reporting.
- Communicate clearly and confidently, with excellent spoken and written English.
- Are highly organised, adaptable, and thrive in fast-moving environments with shifting priorities.
- Have excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a strategic mindset.
- Bring experience of line management and team coordination, with emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills.
- Are confident using project management tools like Smartsheets, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms.
- Bring a proactive, positive attitude and the ability to work independently and collaboratively
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a nationally significant programme . You’ll work in a supportive, inclusive, and visionary team — one that values bold thinking, rigorous delivery, and meaningful impact. Together, we’ll help place the UK’s Creative Industries at the forefront of global innovation.
Apply now and help us build something extraordinary.
This role is available from 29th September 2025 and will be based at Royal Holloway’s Egham campus and Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact
For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at:
Please quote the reference: 0725-162
Closing Date: 10 August 2025
Interview Date: 15 August 2025
Further details: Job Description & Person Specification Email details to a friend
Apply Online
The university has adopted hybrid working for some roles therefore some remote working may be possible for this role.
Royal Holloway is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and encourages applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parental status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or trans status or history. More information on our structures and initiatives around EDI, including information on staff diversity networks, can be found on our Equality and Diversity Intranet page.
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CoSTAR National R&D Lab Head of Programme Delivery employer: Royal Holloway, University of London
Contact Detail:
Royal Holloway, University of London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CoSTAR National R&D Lab Head of Programme Delivery
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the CoSTAR National R&D Lab's mission and recent projects. Understanding their focus on creative technology and innovation will help you align your experience and ideas with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the creative tech and R&D sectors. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders, which can give you insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with large-scale project management and financial oversight. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and delivered complex projects on time.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving skills by thinking of innovative solutions to common challenges in programme delivery. Consider how you would approach issues related to collaboration across multiple stakeholders and disciplines.
We think you need these skills to ace CoSTAR National R&D Lab Head of Programme Delivery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in programme delivery, project management, and financial oversight. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage large budgets and lead multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for innovation in the creative industries. Clearly outline how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Head of Programme Delivery role, particularly your experience in strategic planning and problem-solving.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your organisational skills, adaptability, and proficiency with project management tools. Mention any experience you have with financial reporting and managing complex projects, as these are crucial for this position.
Showcase Collaborative Experience: Provide examples of how you've successfully built relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders. This role requires strong collaboration, so demonstrating your ability to work across disciplines will strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Holloway, University of London
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the CoSTAR National R&D Lab and the specific responsibilities of the Head of Programme Delivery. Familiarise yourself with their projects, goals, and the technologies they use, as this will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Given the importance of budget management in this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with financial reporting and managing large budgets. Bring examples of how you've successfully overseen financial processes in previous roles, as this will highlight your capability to handle the financial aspects of the position.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Problem-Solving Skills
This position requires working across various disciplines and stakeholders. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've effectively collaborated with diverse teams to solve complex problems. Highlight your strategic mindset and adaptability in fast-paced environments.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Having insightful questions prepared shows your enthusiasm and engagement. Ask about the future direction of the CoSTAR National R&D Lab, the team culture, or how success is measured in this role. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values.
