At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects and manage complex programmes to drive impactful change.
- Company: Join a pioneering university initiative focused on unlocking innovation potential.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the innovation ecosystem while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project delivery and strong relationship management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
About Unit M
Launched in Autumn 2024, Unit M exists to unlock the University’s full potential as one of the North of England’s largest innovation assets by making the University’s world‑class research, innovation capabilities and talent more accessible to all. Its remit is to accelerate the development of a global competitive, inclusive and impactful innovation ecosystem—from ideation and research translation, start‑up and scale‑up support, place making, talent and skills, community building and more—which systematically breaks down barriers to the flow of ideas between the University and its partners. Unit M is expected to attract, generate and mobilise significant external funding—from industry, investors, philanthropy and public sources—to sustain and scale innovation activity and create new, sustainable funding streams.
Responsibilities
- Manage the delivery of complex place‑based projects from design through mobilisation and into early operation, within agreed strategic, financial, and governance parameters.
- Develop and maintain project plans, milestones, dependencies, risk registers, and reporting frameworks.
- Coordinate inputs from University teams (academic, professional services, eg estates, finance, legal) and external partners to ensure coherent and timely delivery.
- Monitor progress against agreed outputs and outcomes, escalating risks or material deviations to senior leadership where appropriate.
- Coordinate and support the operational design of regional innovation initiatives, including operating models, workflows, and partner interfaces.
- Be accountable for financial management across place‑based innovation programmes in a complex, multi‑stream funding environment, ensuring robust budgeting, forecasting, compliance, value for money, and clear reporting to senior stakeholders, with appropriate escalation of risks and variances.
- Build and sustain effective working relationships with local, regional, and national partners, including public sector bodies, industry, and innovation organisations.
- Act as a trusted operational interface between the University and external partners, translating agreed strategic objectives into practical delivery.
Qualifications
- Significant experience of project or programme delivery in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
- Experience of designing, setting up, or supporting operations for programmes, facilities, or partnerships.
- Strong understanding of governance, risk management, and delivery assurance, with experience of escalation and reporting.
- Experience of working in complex funding environments, managing multiple income streams including research funding and commercial/business partnerships.
- Proven ability to manage and influence relationships across organisational boundaries.
- Excellent organisational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience producing reports and briefings for senior stakeholders.
- Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous or evolving contexts, exercising sound judgement.
- Experience of providing line management and leadership to staff, including setting objectives, supporting development, and fostering high‑performing teams in complex delivery environments.
Benefits
- 29 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and December closure days.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Flexible and hybrid working.
- Access to a wide range of staff benefits, including discounts, wellbeing support, and development programmes.
Head of Programme Delivery - Unit M employer: The University of Manchester
Unit M is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers employees to make a meaningful impact in the North of England's innovation landscape. With a strong focus on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including 29 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme, Unit M provides a supportive environment for growth and success. Join us in unlocking the full potential of world-class research and innovation while building valuable partnerships across diverse sectors.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programme Delivery - Unit M
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their goals and how you can contribute to them. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role. Keep it concise but impactful—think of it as your personal brand statement that showcases why you're the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programme Delivery - Unit M
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Programme Delivery role. Highlight your experience in managing complex projects and working with multiple stakeholders, as this is key for us at Unit M.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve successfully delivered projects or programmes in the past. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your skills and experiences, as we appreciate strong written communication skills for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into your past project experiences. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed complex, multi-stakeholder projects, especially in innovation or academic settings. This will show that you understand the intricacies of programme delivery.
✨Master the Financials
Since financial management is key for this role, brush up on your budgeting and forecasting skills. Prepare to discuss how you've navigated complex funding environments and managed multiple income streams. Being able to articulate your experience with financial compliance will set you apart.
✨Build Relationships Like a Pro
Think about your previous experiences working with various partners, from public sector bodies to industry leaders. Be ready to share how you've built and sustained these relationships, as well as how you've acted as a trusted interface between different stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in project delivery and how you overcame them. Highlight your analytical skills and sound judgement in ambiguous situations. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate the complexities of the role effectively.
