At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects, manage complex programmes, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- 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 development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in building an inclusive innovation ecosystem.
- Qualifications: Experience in project delivery and strong communication 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.
Some of the things you might find yourself doing include:
- 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.
What You’ll Bring:
- 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.
What You’ll Get:
- 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.
For informal enquiries please contact Charlotte Jones at charlotte.jones@manchester.ac.uk
Head of Programme Delivery - Unit M in Manchester 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 comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and a robust pension scheme, Unit M provides an environment where talent can thrive and contribute to groundbreaking projects. Join us in unlocking the full potential of the University and shaping a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Contact Detail:
The University of Manchester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programme Delivery - Unit M in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Unit M. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the University’s innovation initiatives. Understand their goals and challenges, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully delivered complex projects in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for any new opportunities that pop up – you want to be one of the first to apply!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programme Delivery - Unit M in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in project delivery and multi-stakeholder environments. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of Unit M, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon. We love a well-structured application that reflects your ability to produce reports and briefings for senior stakeholders.
Highlight Your Financial Acumen:Given the importance of financial management in this role, be sure to include any experience you have with budgeting, forecasting, and managing multiple income streams. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex funding environments with ease!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects and programmes you’ve managed in the past. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you delivered complex projects, managed risks, and coordinated with multiple stakeholders. This will show your potential employer that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨Demonstrate Your Financial Acumen
Since the role involves financial management across various funding streams, brush up on your budgeting and forecasting skills. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed finances in previous roles, ensuring compliance and value for money. Being able to articulate your experience in this area will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Build Relationships Like a Pro
This position requires strong relationship-building skills. Think of examples where you’ve effectively collaborated with external partners or stakeholders. Be ready to share how you navigated challenges and maintained positive working relationships, as this will highlight your ability to act as a trusted operational interface.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Programme Delivery, you’ll need to lead teams and foster high performance. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you’ve supported team development and set objectives. Highlighting your ability to manage and influence across organisational boundaries will demonstrate your readiness for this role.
