At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful international research programmes and engage with global stakeholders.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leader in the fight against cancer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for international travel and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cancer policy and practice worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 53000 £ per year.
Salary: £47,000-£53,000 per annum
Reports to: Senior Manager, International Evidence and Research
Department: Policy, Information and Communications
Location: London, Stratford. High Flex, 1-2 days in the office or home-based. Open to flexible working requests. Note this is an international role and will require meetings/calls outside of normal working hours and occasional international travel.
Employment type: Permanent
Working hours: 35 hours per week.
Closing date: 9th August 2026, 23:55
Recruitment process: 1 stage interview consisting of a presentation and role-based competency interview.
Interview date: From W/C 17th July 2026
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. Join a collaborative, global effort to improve cancer outcomes for everyone. As a Programme Manager within the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP), you’ll be a confident communicator building relationships with policymakers, clinicians, researchers and data experts. Working at the centre of a diverse international network, you’ll play a key role in facilitating impactful research that shapes cancer policy and practice across multiple countries.
What will I be doing?
- Coordinate and support the delivery of a complex, international research programme
- Manage day-to-day programme activity, tracking progress and keeping partners aligned
- Build strong relationships with UK and global stakeholders, fostering effective collaboration
- Lead and support communications, including newsletters, events and stakeholder updates
- Support commissioning and delivery of research, including contracts, funding and onboarding new partners
- Maintain programme governance, supporting key meetings and Programme Board activity
- Monitor budgets, track spend and ensure effective use of funding
- Identify and manage risks, helping to keep the programme on track
- Translate programme activity into clear, engaging outputs to maximise impact
- Identify opportunities to grow partnerships, engagement and fundraising
- Represent ICBP at external meetings and conferences (with some international travel)
What skills do I need?
- Experience managing programmes or projects, with the ability to adapt and solve problems in a fast-paced environment
- Strong relationship-building skills, working effectively with a wide range of senior stakeholders
- Excellent communication skills, able to clearly and confidently explain complex information to different audiences
- Confidence supporting research commissioning and working with governance and contractual processes
- Proven ability to manage budgets and ensure value for money
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple workstreams
- Strategic and creative thinking, with a focus on maximising impact and opportunities
- Influencing and negotiation skills, with confidence working with senior stakeholders
- Ability to work independently, using initiative to navigate challenges
- Relevant experience in health, science, research or policy environments
What will I gain?
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.
Internal candidates should ideally have completed their 6-month ‘getting started’ period before applying for other roles. You should also advise your current line manager at the point you make an internal application, or at the latest, at the point of being invited for an interview.
For more information about working with us please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
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.
ICBP Programme Manager employer: Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Stratford, London, where you can make a meaningful impact on health partnerships. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, we provide flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package that supports a healthy work/life balance, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ICBP Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like ICBP Programme Manager at Cancer Research UK!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Cancer Research UK or be willing to refer you for that ICBP Programme Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Cancer Research UK who’s on the lookout for their next ICBP Programme Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time ICBP Programme Manager role at Cancer Research UK!
We think you need these skills to ace ICBP Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Cancer Research UK. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Cancer Research UK. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
