Project Officer in Manchester

Project Officer in Manchester

Manchester Temporary 36000 - 44000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operational improvement projects and enhance the Royce Hub experience for all users.
  • Company: Join the Henry Royce Institute, a leader in advanced materials research and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension contributions, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment focused on sustainability and innovation.
  • Qualifications: Relevant degree or experience, strong organisational and communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.

The Henry Royce Institute (Royce), an EPSRC-funded national institute, supports advanced materials research and innovation. With its Hub at The University of Manchester, the Institute has spokes at ten Partner and Associate organisations: the Universities of Sheffield, Leeds, Liverpool, Cambridge, Oxford, Cranfield, Strathclyde and Imperial College London, as well as at the UK Atomic Energy Authority and National Nuclear Laboratory. Royce, driven by a vision of 'advanced materials for a sustainable society', supports the UK in growing its world-leading research and innovation in advanced materials.

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team for a fixed-term cover role as Project Officer. This role will lead and support operational improvement projects that enhance the day-to-day running of the Royce Hub Building and wider Institute, working with colleagues and partners to improve processes, service delivery and the experience of staff, students and visitors. The role may also suit candidates seeking a Grade 5 secondment, subject to line manager approval.

You will be responsible for:

  • Lead and support operational improvement projects across the Royce Hub Building and wider Institute
  • Coordinate building-related activities, including office moves, desk allocation, room bookings, events processes and induction arrangements
  • Work with internal teams, Estates, contractors and partners to resolve operational issues and support safe, effective use of building spaces
  • Design, review and improve processes to strengthen service delivery, reduce duplication and support efficient ways of working
  • Use data, feedback and stakeholder insight to inform recommendations, reports, governance support and operational decisions

We welcome applications from candidates who can bring strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills to a varied operational role in a collaborative research environment. You should be comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders, managing competing priorities and identifying practical improvements to services and processes.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria

  • Relevant degree or equivalent practical experience
  • Administrative and management experience in a similar role, ideally within higher education or another complex organisation
  • Experience of delivering excellent customer service and working effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders
  • Experience of designing, implementing or improving processes to meet operational requirements
  • Experience of servicing committees and boards

Desirable Criteria

  • Awareness of governance, data protection and information management principles
  • Experience of working in a research institute or higher education environment, including events, internal communications, or working groups
  • Experience of Oracle financials, line management, Microsoft Power Automate or Microsoft Copilot

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications. Our benefits include:

  • Generous employer contribution pension
  • 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
  • Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here. We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions.

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Project Officer in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and inclusivity. As a Sport Centre Assistant, you'll enjoy flexible shifts while contributing to a dynamic environment that prioritises high-quality experiences for all users. With ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, working at our esteemed institution allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community.

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Contact Details:

The University of Manchester Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Officer in Manchester

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We think you need these skills to ace Project Officer in Manchester

Project Management
Operational Improvement
Process Design and Improvement
Customer Service
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!

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Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at The University of Manchester and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.

Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.

How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester

Prepare for Case Studies

In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like The University of Manchester will want to see.

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Highlight Your Adaptability

Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at The University of Manchester.

Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit

Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at The University of Manchester. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.