Project Manager - TI Operations in Cambridge

Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented. We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We are seeking a highly organised and proactive individual to coordinate the activities, information and systems required to support the delivery of priority projects across the Drug Discovery portfolio within Therapeutic Innovation (TI). In this role, you will help ensure projects are efficiently managed, well-tracked and aligned with wider portfolio objectives. Working collaboratively with scientific, operational and commercial colleagues, you will play a key part in driving clarity, consistency and effective decision-making across the programme.

You will work closely with Project Leads and discipline leads to maintain accurate project plans and resource allocations, ensuring that project management platforms and team documentation remain up to date. A key part of the role will involve coordinating the generation, review and maintenance of project profiles, supporting project teams with timely, high-quality information. You will also collaborate with the Commercial Operations Manager to track outsourced activities and provide visibility of associated timelines and contracting requirements.

Where applicable, you will support colleagues in Commercial Partnerships by monitoring and communicating key partner terms, including funding, milestones, objectives and timelines. In addition, you will work with the Portfolio Lead to provide oversight and organisational support across the Portfolio Generation and Drug Discovery portfolio, contributing to the smooth progression of projects and the overall efficiency of the portfolio.

The post holder will be expected to travel regularly to TI and CRUK sites, averaging two days per week; however, there is flexibility to work remotely. Travel costs to sites other than the post holder’s primary location will be covered by Cancer Research Horizons.

• Ensure key project data including milestones, planned costs, objectives, key stakeholders and project statuses are kept current.
• Work with Project and Discipline teams to ensure all project and resource data is captured in an accurate and timely manner.
• Support Project Leads with monthly project meetings, including capturing and tracking actions and delivery timelines.
• Work with the Portfolio Lead to optimise reporting and processes to support the progression and prioritisation of the TI portfolio.
• Ensure cooperation and compliance across TI projects with portfolio/project guidance documents and templates.
• Make and suggest improvements to templates and guidance documents where relevant, to maintain effective ways of working.
• Work with the project team to review, capture and communicate current risks and issues.
• Report on project scientific milestones, actuals and resource allocations.

Demonstratable experience in effective project management, with a track record of coordinating complex workstreams and delivering high-quality outcomes. Proven experience partnering with scientists in a scientific or research-led environment, enabling strong collaboration and informed decision-making. Confident user of project and/or resource management software, with the ability to leverage tools to enhance planning, prioritisation, and delivery. Background in drug discovery, drug development, or cancer biology is highly advantageous, bringing valuable scientific context to your work. Exceptional ability to translate complex scientific information into clear, concise, and actionable insights tailored to varied audiences. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively across multiple channels and stakeholder groups. Highly organised with ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines. A proactive, solutions-driven mindset, consistently anticipating challenges and seeking opportunities for improvement. Strong team player who can also work autonomously, taking ownership while contributing positively to team goals. A confident, relationship-focused communicator, skilled at building trust and fostering effective collaborations.

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do. Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination. Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism. Human: Act to have a positive impact on people. Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively.

We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer. If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we’d still love to hear from you. We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.