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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research funding programmes and manage projects to improve health and wellbeing.
- Company: Join NIHR, a key player in health research, partnering with NHS and universities.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days annual leave, bonuses, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health inequalities while collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Degree in biomedical or social sciences; experience in research management preferred.
- Other info: Apply by 29th August; interviews from 8th September.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 45000 £ per year.
Job Description
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). We work in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients, and the public. The NIHR funds, enables, and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth. We are also a major funder of applied health research in low- and middle-income countries.
Job Description
We are looking for a Programme Manager to join our Research Programmes Directorate to help drive the strategic development and the delivery of both NIHR and non-NIHR research funding programmes. The successful candidates will play a key role within the NIHR Policy Research Programme,(PRP), but the appointed person may be deployed to support other Programmes and initiatives, such as Climate Change, Work and Health, Long COVID, Artificial Intelligence for Multiple Long-term Conditions (AIM) etc.
At the heart of these investments is a commitment to reducing health inequalities, reconfiguring the health, social care and public health systems in areas and for populations living with the greatest burden. In order to genuinely deliver on the research investments made by GMG customers, meaningful and sustainable engagement at multiple levels is required. Key stakeholders will include communities, local authorities, industry, regulators, policy makers, academics and clinicians.
The roles will cover the full end-to-end process of research management, from designing new schemes to launching new calls for applications through to the active monitoring of funded projects and will require an ability to work collaboratively with other team members and across organisations. The posts provide the opportunity for exciting external liaison, with interfaces to UK government, academia, industry and the clinical community.
Key Accountabilities
Support all aspects of research funding, including:
- Identifying and articulating research investment opportunities
- Advising applicants and revising application forms and guidance
- Reviewing funding applications and coordinating peer review
- Overseeing and attending funding committee meetings
- Providing feedback to successful and unsuccessful applicants
- Conduct due diligence on healthcare-related proposals:
- Assess scientific, technical, and clinical rationale
- Evaluate value for money and IP/freedom to operate positions
- Review dissemination, adoption, and commercialisation strategies
- Negotiate funding agreements:
- Agree milestones, deliverables, financial terms, and reporting requirements
- Manage a portfolio of funded projects:
- Monitor scientific, clinical, and financial performance
- Review IP and dissemination plans
- Manage contractual changes to ensure strategic project outcomes
- Liaise with stakeholders:
- Organise and lead meetings, represent the funder’s perspective
- Promote and represent funding programmes externally
Wider Activities
- Support strategic initiatives led by Senior Research Programme Managers
- Draft SOPs, templates, and guidance documents
- Produce high-quality meeting minutes, outcome letters, and reports
- Organise, attend, and chair internal and external meetings
- Respond to urgent Parliamentary Questions or Department of Health briefings
- Identify and implement process improvements for operational excellence
- Develop and maintain strong professional relationships across teams, award holders, NIHR, and customer organisations, acting as a role model at all levels
Qualifications & Experience
Essential Criteria
- A degree in biomedical, health, or social sciences
- Experience in research management, ideally within a healthcare setting
- Demonstrated success in stakeholder management across multiple organisations
- Proven track record in managing projects and programmes
- Strategic thinker with the ability to interpret complex information
- Strong analytical and complex problem-solving abilities, with a solution-focused approach
- Highly developed communication, incl. experience liaising with external stakeholders
Desired Criteria
- A PhD in a medical, scientific, technical, or social discipline
- Understanding of the UK’s health and care research landscape
Key Competencies
- Managed research projects across funding oversight, application review, due diligence, contracting, and monitoring
- Built strong stakeholder relationships, representing funder perspectives in internal and external meetings
- Aligned project outcomes with strategic programme goals and delivered operational improvements
- Drafted SOPs, reports, and guidance with clarity and precision
- Chaired meetings, guided stakeholders, and led by example across diverse organisational settings
Compensation, Benefits & Working Arrangements:
- Salary: £40,300
- Location: Twickenham, London / Hybrid working model
- Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
- Working Hours: 7.5 hours per day
- Annual Leave: 25 days, plus UK public holidays
Employee Benefits Include:
- Annual bonus, subject to company performance
- Enhanced Contributory Pension Scheme
- Life Insurance Cover
- Benenden Healthcare Membership
- Training and Development Opportunities
- Season Ticket Loan
This is a Twickenham, office based, hybrid role, with an expectation for all employees to attend our offices a minimum of one day a week, four days a month, and may increase, subject to team requirements.
Application
If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a 'Statement of Suitability' that showcases your key skills and experiences in relation to the 'Essential Criteria' outlined in the job description. Additionally, share your enthusiasm for working with NIHR.
NB: Closing date for applications is 5pm on the 29th August, interviews to be held remotely from 8th September.
Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.
Programme Manager - PRP employer: NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)
Contact Detail:
NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager - PRP
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the NIHR's current research programmes and initiatives. Understanding their strategic goals, especially around health inequalities and stakeholder engagement, will help you demonstrate your alignment with their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the healthcare research sector. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or stakeholders. This can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing research projects and stakeholder relationships. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, as these are crucial for the Programme Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in health and social care research, particularly regarding funding opportunities and policy changes. This knowledge will not only enhance your discussions but also show your commitment to the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager - PRP
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the Programme Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Strong Statement of Suitability: Your 'Statement of Suitability' should clearly demonstrate how your skills and experiences meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description. Use specific examples from your past work to illustrate your capabilities.
Highlight Stakeholder Management Experience: Given the emphasis on stakeholder management in this role, ensure you provide concrete examples of how you've successfully managed relationships across various organisations. This will showcase your ability to liaise effectively with diverse groups.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and Statement of Suitability for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key accountabilities of the Programme Manager role. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in research management and stakeholder engagement.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Given the emphasis on stakeholder relationships in this role, come ready with examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholders in previous projects. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively across different organisations.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you approach strategic development and problem-solving. Think of specific instances where you've had to interpret complex information and make decisions that align with broader organisational goals.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about the NIHR's current initiatives, particularly those related to health inequalities and innovative research programmes. This shows your genuine interest in the organisation and its mission.
