At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative funding strategies and manage impactful research portfolios in social science.
- Company: Join UKRI, a leader in research and innovation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in social science while shaping the future of research funding.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing funding portfolios and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 46743 - 46743 £ per year.
Salary: 46,743 per annum.
Band: UKRI Band E.
Contract Type: Open-Ended.
Hours: Full time/ Part time (minimum 0.6 FTE).
Location: Polaris House, Swindon - Hybrid Working Available.
Closing date: 24 August 2026.
About UKRI
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is an independent, non-departmental public body, which invests 8bn per annum in research and innovation. We bring together nine executive council partners with a shared vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
About the role
Senior Managers in the Advancing Knowledge in Social Science team will play a key role in delivering ESRC’s applicant‑led mode strategy. You will have responsibility for the effective delivery, management and monitoring of ESRC’s refreshed applicant‑led mode schemes. Key to the success of ESRC’s applicant-led mode strategy will be close and effective working with colleagues in the Grants Delivery Team and other relevant ESRC teams to launch and deliver a coordinated portfolio of funding opportunities.
You will have responsibility for a cluster of research fields within economic and social research where you will build and sustain strong relationships with the research community as well as with relevant government and industry partners. You will also lead the investment management and performance monitoring of a portfolio of applicant-led mode grants.
Your Responsibilities
- Work at the interface between strategic leadership and delivery with effective communication skills to develop and implement key priorities, policies, and strategies.
- Lead the scoping and development, commissioning, and management of high-quality innovation and research investments in applicant-led mode.
- Coordinate and manage a portfolio of activities to maximise impact and knowledge exchange across a portfolio of investments.
- Build and develop strong relationships working across the ESRC, UKRI and external partners to ensure that investments are robust, informed, and impactful.
- Support and deputise for senior staff as required and undertake periodic work on areas outside of the team as needed, supporting the wider work of UKRI.
Personal Specification
- Relevant degree or equivalent knowledge and skills.
- Experience of managing complex funding or programme portfolios, including strategic prioritisation, investment oversight, and performance monitoring.
- Strong understanding of the social science research and innovation landscape.
- Ability to build and influence senior stakeholder relationships across academia, government, and industry.
- Demonstrable people management experience, including resource planning, performance management, coaching, and conflict resolution.
- Willingness to drive innovation in ESRC funding processes.
About hybrid working
We support a hybrid approach, and you can expect a mix of working from home and on-site, in the office and at other UK locations.
Benefits
- An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
- 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
- Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
- Flexible working options.
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.
Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion.
Senior Portfolio Manager (x9) in Cheltenham employer: UKRI
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, the LMB provides comprehensive training opportunities and encourages continuous learning, making it an ideal place for HR professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the scientific community. Located in the vibrant Cambridge Biomedical Campus, employees benefit from a supportive culture that values innovation and teamwork, ensuring a rewarding career path in Human Resources.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Portfolio Manager (x9) in Cheltenham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at UKRI.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from UKRI!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like UKRI, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at UKRI or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Portfolio Manager (x9) in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to UKRI:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to UKRI! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
