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- Tasks: Lead and shape the Centre for AI Fundamentals, managing projects and partnerships.
- Company: Join a prestigious Russell Group university known for research excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension schemes, well-being programmes, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-profile research centre making a real impact in AI.
- Qualifications: Degree in AI/Computer Science and experience in programme management required.
- Other info: Open to diverse applicants; agency CVs treated as gifts.
The predicted salary is between 46735 - 57422 £ per year.
The University is part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities and highly respected across the globe as a centre of teaching excellence and research innovation and discovery. With 25 Nobel Prize winners among our current and former staff and students, we have a history of world firsts, with our impact ranging from splitting the atom to giving the world graphene.
The University is seeking to appoint an individual with a strategic mindset and a track record of building and leading collaborative relationships and professional networks, expertise in a domain ideally related to artificial intelligence, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, experience in managing high-performing teams, and demonstrable ability to support the preparation of large, complex grant proposals to take up the role of Programme Manager for the Centre for AI Fundamentals.
The recently established Centre for AI Fundamentals is a cross-Faculty initiative that builds on the award of a Turing AI World-Leading Researcher Fellowship together with significant internal investment, and forms part of an ambitious plan to establish Manchester as an internationally-leading centre for AI research and innovation. This is an excellent opportunity to be involved with a high-profile research Centre and the Faculty of Science and Engineering's strategically focussed Research Development and Innovation team.
The successful candidate will play a major role in developing and shaping the Centre, working closely with its Director to grow the Centre and plan and deliver an exciting programme of activities, including:
- Leading key science translational activity and development of use cases in the Centre's key domains
- Partnership development
- Bid writing
- Resource management
- Impact and public engagement strategies
The role will involve working synergistically with existing University functions and activities to maximise benefits to the University, including working closely with the Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange functions on activities involving industry.
We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Programme Manager, we want a candidate that is:
- A strategic thinker, able to help shape the Centre for AI Fundamentals to deliver real value to participants, partners, stakeholders and the Greater Manchester and UK AI ecosystem
- Ability and willingness to work across organisational boundaries and proactively identify opportunities for collaborative, joined up working and information sharing
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the confidence and professionalism to project and maintain credibility at all levels internally and with external organisations
- Experience of data analysis and contributing on to the development of strategy, business cases and policy documents
- Experience of playing a substantive role in the preparation of large, complex grant proposals and an increase in research funding
- Experience of managing programmes with multiple partners in an academic or business environment
- Ability to adapt at pace and work under pressure and meet challenging deadlines
- A basic understanding of AI and its potential, and willingness to develop a deeper understanding
- Ability to solve complex problems, using initiative, innovation and negotiation
As an ideal candidate you will have:
- Degree in AI/Computer Science
- Experience in the higher education sector
- Formal PM qualification or significant demonstrable experience
- Experience of AI research and/or development, or of supporting it
- Track record of working within international project teams
- Knowledge and understanding of the interface between higher education and research funders (e.g. Research Councils, Government, Charities, EU, Industry) and awareness of funding trends, policies, priorities and processes
- Relevant experience and understanding of academia and of business needs and drivers, ideally in a deep tech context
As one of the leading Universities our employees enjoy exclusive access to excellent benefits and schemes including:
- Generous annual leave allowance, including Christmas/New Year closure
- Pension scheme membership to provide benefits for you and your family
- Well-being programme with counselling, fitness and leading sports facilities
- Learning and development opportunities
- Season ticket loans for public transport
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Workplace nursery scheme
- Staff recognition schemes
- Staff discounts on a range of products and services including travel and high street savings
As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments will be made on merit.
Any CV's submitted by recruitment agencies will be treated as a gift. Please click APPLY to be redirected to our website to complete an application form.
Candidates with experience of: IT Programme Manager, Tech Programme Manager, AI Programme Manager will also be considered for this role.
Programme Manager - Centre for AI Fundamentals employer: BluetownOnline
Contact Detail:
BluetownOnline Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager - Centre for AI Fundamentals
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in AI and its applications. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews, showcasing your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the AI and higher education sectors. Attend relevant conferences, webinars, or local meetups to build connections that could provide insights into the role and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing complex projects and partnerships. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges and fostered collaboration in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Centre for AI Fundamentals and its current initiatives. Understanding their goals and challenges will enable you to articulate how your skills and experiences align with their mission during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager - Centre for AI Fundamentals
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in programme management, particularly in AI or related fields. Emphasise your strategic thinking and relationship-building skills, as these are key for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly articulate your understanding of the Centre for AI Fundamentals and how your background aligns with their goals. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage complex projects and collaborate across teams.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In your application, focus on achievements that showcase your experience in grant proposal preparation and managing high-performing teams. Use quantifiable results where possible to illustrate your impact.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. Consider including examples of successful stakeholder engagement or public engagement strategies you've implemented.
How to prepare for a job interview at BluetownOnline
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Programme Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've shaped projects or initiatives in the past, particularly in AI or related fields, and be ready to discuss how you can apply that mindset to the Centre for AI Fundamentals.
✨Highlight Collaborative Experience
This role requires building relationships across various teams and organisations. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with multiple stakeholders, especially in academic or business environments, to achieve common goals.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication skills are crucial for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and consider how you can convey complex ideas about AI and research funding in an accessible way during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
The ability to solve complex problems is key for this role. Think of examples where you've faced challenges in project management or team dynamics, and be ready to discuss the innovative solutions you implemented to overcome those obstacles.
