Research Programmes Manager

We have established a number of high-profile strategic initiatives to help us advance our work towards a cure. We now have an exciting opportunity for a Research Programme Manager to support the successful ongoing delivery of these major initiatives and collaborate across the organisation and externally to maximise their impact. The primary focus will be managing the Blood Biomarker Challenge, working closely with colleagues at Alzheimer’s Society to ensure the ongoing success of the programme.

This role sits within the Strategic Programmes team in the Research Directorate, an ambitious, supportive and friendly team that funds the best research to transform the lives of people affected by all forms of dementia. We’re looking for someone with strong programme management experience, a good eye for detail and who is excited by the opportunities in the dementia research landscape.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

• Lead the delivery of the Blood Biomarker Challenge research programme:

• Oversee project delivery, tracking progress against milestones and KPIs, managing risks and keeping partners updated
• Ensure finances are effectively managed, working with the Research Funding and Finance teams
• Coordinate internal workstream leads to ensure effective communication and collaboration across departments
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders involved with the programme to maximise its success
• Implement robust and proportionate review processes
• Lead the preparation of papers and briefings for meetings

• Maintain up to date knowledge of developments in the global dementia research field to support the development of new initiatives
• Implement robust project management skills to support the establishment of new initiatives and their ongoing monitoring
• Work closely with the Research Involvement Manager to integrate best practices in patient involvement and co-production where required

• Attend meetings and events to build relationships and promote our strategic programmes
• Support the Head of Strategic Programmes in enhancing ARUK’s external profile through active participation in meetings and collaborations with key stakeholders
• Work with the Partnerships Manager to identify opportunities for strategic partnerships that could complement the programmes you manage

What we are looking for:

• First degree (or equivalent) in relevant biomedical science
• Proven experience managing large programmes of work, preferably in the healthcare, research or charity sector
• Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple priorities, overseeing budgets and identifying risks
• Ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholder groups and third-party suppliers and build strong, effective and productive relationships
• Experience defining program requirements and using data and metrics to determine improvements
• Commitment to ARUK’s vision, mission and values
• Good analytical skills demonstrated by a structured and methodical approach
• Excellent eye for detail with a focus on continuous improvement
• Strong communication skills both oral and written with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task, prioritise competing demands
• Demonstrated stakeholder management (internal & external), and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise tasks, work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to use own initiative, with a proactive and problem-solving attitude
• Willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Remote - As part of our Remote ways of working you will be home based. You will only need to attend the office for specific requirements of the role and the business needs.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.

Salary: Circa £44,000 per annum, plus benefits.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.