At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful engineering research programmes and support global visionaries.
- Company: Join the Royal Academy of Engineering, a charity driving innovation for a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and a vibrant office in central London.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture focused on tackling society's biggest challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in engineering while collaborating with talented professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Make an impact on the future of engineering research. The Royal Academy of Engineering is seeking a proactive and highly organised Programme Manager to deliver the prestigious Chairs in Emerging Technologies programme. This is a unique opportunity to support global research visionaries, developing emerging technology areas with potential to deliver economic and social benefit to the UK, enable high‑quality, high‑impact research and technology commercialisation.
In this role, you will manage the full programme lifecycle end‑to‑end, from design and launch, to assessment, award, and post‑award support. Working closely with the Senior Programme Manager, Steering Group, Fellows and colleagues across the Academy, you will ensure the programme is delivered to a high standard, on time and within budget.
What You Will Bring
- Proven experience in programme or project management, along with hands‑on experience managing budgets and/or grants.
- Strong organisational and analytical skills, enabling you to manage priorities effectively.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to support positive relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
- Knowledge of the UK engineering or higher education research landscape.
- A methodical and systematic approach to your work.
Application closing date: 13/05/2026
Interview date: w/c 18/05/2026
Interview location: London
Our light, spacious head office is based in a fantastic location in central London with views over St James’s Park and close to the West End. We operate hybrid, flexible working practices with a baseline for office based working of a mandatory weekly team day plus further days each week as required for the role and the Academy.
Who are we?
Engineering matters. It shapes our everyday lives, from our ability to turn the lights on, have a hot shower and commute into work, to the mobile phones we rely on to keep connected. It also plays a vital role in addressing some of the biggest challenges facing society today, from climate change, to global health pandemics and cyber threats. The Royal Academy of Engineering is a charity that harnesses the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and an inclusive economy that works for everyone. In collaboration with our Fellows and partners, we’re growing talent and developing skills for the future, driving innovation, and building global partnerships, and influencing policy and engaging the public. Together we’re working to tackle the greatest challenges of our age.
With a diverse workforce and an inclusive and supportive culture, we look to attract candidates from wide and different backgrounds who have a passion for the role engineering plays in society. Our aim is to make the Academy the best place to work for the staff we have and those we seek to attract.
Why work for us?
We’re looking for people who are driven to make the world a better place. If you’re passionate about what you do and want to work collaboratively with talented colleagues to make change happen now and for future generations, we want you to get in touch. This is the perfect time to join us. We have a dynamic, visionary CEO, a strong leadership team and an ambitious and exciting strategy. The value we bring as experts in our field and change agents is highly recognised and makes the Academy a motivating place to be. Our work today builds on a long, proud history with a focused and ambitious future which we’d love you to be part of. We are looking for talented people who want to make a difference, to join our team – is this you?
The Academy is committed to making reasonable adjustments to remove barriers that hinder applicants from applying or staff from working effectively and comfortably.
Programme Manager, Research employer: Royal Academy of Engineering
Contact Detail:
Royal Academy of Engineering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager, Research
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Royal Academy of Engineering. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Academy's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about the impact of engineering on society. It’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working with various stakeholders, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Try mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your pitch.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our mission to make a difference in engineering.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager, Research
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for engineering and research shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission to tackle societal challenges through innovative engineering.
Be Organised: Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use headings, bullet points, and clear language to highlight your experience in programme management and budget handling. We appreciate a methodical approach!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Programme Manager role. We’re looking for candidates who understand the UK engineering landscape and can demonstrate relevant experience.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Academy of Engineering
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Chairs in Emerging Technologies programme. Familiarise yourself with its goals, structure, and impact on engineering research. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your skills align with the programme's objectives.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your project management expertise. Discuss how you've successfully managed budgets, timelines, and stakeholder relationships. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the full programme lifecycle effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Given the importance of communication in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you convey your analytical skills and ability to manage priorities effectively.
✨Research the Academy’s Vision and Values
Take some time to understand the Royal Academy of Engineering's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of building a sustainable society through engineering.