Programme Manager: UCL Pre-Doctoral Careers Programme in London

UCL Careers provides careers education to current students, graduates and research staff of UCL, as well as recruitment solutions for employers. UCL Careers delivers both a university‑wide ‘core’ service and bespoke careers support within selected academic areas. Our ‘core’ service offering includes bespoke programmes designed to meet the particular needs of specific client groups, such as ‘Careers Extra’ activities for undergraduate students from underrepresented groups and our Researcher Careers Programme.

UCL careers sits within the UCL Higher Education Development & Support Institute (HEDS) which brings together teaching, assessment and employability to support student futures.

This role leads the development and delivery of UCL Career’s new Pre-Doctoral Careers Programme, launching in Autumn 2026. The postholder will design and embed a coherent, high-quality offer that supports undergraduate and taught postgraduate students to explore doctoral study and become well-prepared applicants. Working with teams within HEDS and collaboratively across UCL (including with the Doctoral School, UCL faculties and doctoral training programmes) the role brings together existing provision and new opportunities into a clear, structured pathway.

You will plan and manage a range of informational events and skills development workshops, coordinate and co-deliver application support for individual students and provide logistical and administrative support to a number of research experience programmes. The role involves close partnership working with internal and external stakeholders and sourcing opportunities and contributors. With responsibility for day-to-day programme delivery, you will use data, feedback and sector insight to drive student engagement, evaluate impact, and continuously enhance the programme.

You will combine academic credibility with programme delivery expertise, bringing a PhD or equivalent research experience alongside a track record of designing and delivering high-quality learning, careers or training provision/events. Experience within higher education, research or research-supporting environments will enable you to translate strategy into practical, impactful student support.

You will be a confident communicator and facilitator, able to engage diverse audiences through seminars, events and clear one-to-one advice, while building credibility quickly with students, academics and external partners. Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach will underpin your ability to coordinate contributors and foster effective working relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

Highly organised and proactive, you will plan and deliver projects to a high standard, using data, feedback and insight to drive continuous improvement. You will demonstrate inclusive, ethical practice, enthusiasm for innovation, and a clear commitment to widening participation and delivering an excellent student experience.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.