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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage research funding and engage with stakeholders to drive environmental innovation.
- Company: Join the Natural Environment Research Council, a leader in environmental research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of leave, flexible working, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental research while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in research or innovation, strong communication skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; apply by 9th September 2025.
The predicted salary is between 29280 - 40920 £ per year.
Job Description
Programme ManagerÂ
Salary: £36,650 per annumÂ
Band: UKRI Band DÂ
Team:Â Research and Skill Directorate (Discovery Team)
Positions: 3
Hours: Full time or Part time (0.8)
Contract Type: Open Ended.
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire. (Hybrid working available)
Closing Date: Tuesday 9th September 2025
As a Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Programme Manager, you will engage with the academic community, business, and policy makers to help maintain the UK’s leadership in environmental research and innovation, both nationally and internationally. You will contribute to the development and delivery of NERC and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) investments aligned with NERC’s strategic delivery plan, demonstrating a strong aptitude for programme delivery across areas such as research funding competition management and post-award monitoring.
Key activities:
- Supporting the development and management of a portfolio of investment in research, innovation and postgraduate training within NERC’s priorities.
- Take responsibility for the peer review and panel assessment of proposals for funding, by: selecting appropriate reviewers and panels members, acting as secretariat for the associated assessment panel meetings; ensure appropriate and timely communications at all times with those involved; promoting good decision making through equality, diversity and fairness in funding opportunities.
- Carry out active management of funded research, through specific programme activities, e.g. monitoring programme budgets; organising programme meetings and communications; preparing papers, reports and briefings; maintaining webpages.Â
- Engagement with communities and stakeholders in the UK and internationally. Act as an interface with researchers (universities, other environmental agencies, and research centres) and research users (business, government and policy makers) for agreed areas of NERC activity.Â
- Provide high quality expertise and advice in areas of responsibility informed by the latest developments in the area, evidence and engagement with relevant external stakeholders.Â
- Promoting and contributing to cross-council projects and projects funded jointly with external funders.Â
- Activity manage Assistant Programme Managers, as necessary, and administrative support staff in order to achieve NERC’s delivery goals.Â
- Other tasks such as analysing investments (funding outcomes, outputs and impacts), data gathering and analysis.Â
Person Specification
- Working knowledge or experience of the research and/or innovation landscape in the UK and the science areas and/or communities supported by NERC.
- Ability to absorb, evaluate and communicate complex information in language appropriate to the audience.
- Ability to prioritise, multi-task, and work to deadlines.
- Ability to work flexibly on own initiative, as well as contribute well to team working.
- Demonstrable track record in influencing effectively (both verbal and written media) across teams, wider organisation and external stakeholder communities.
- Effective use of Microsoft Office applications, e-mail and internet.
Benefits
- 30 days’ annual leave plus 10.5 public and privilege days (FTE)
- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- Flexible working options and hybrid working
- Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives
- Continuous learning and development opportunities
- A supportive, inclusive, and forward-thinking work environment
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.
How to Apply
For full details, please visit our careers site. Please submit an application including your CV and a Cover Letter that showcases how your skills and experience align to the requirements of the role.
A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.
Programme Manager employer: UKRI
Contact Detail:
UKRI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in environmental research and innovation. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage more effectively with stakeholders during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the research and innovation landscape. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities within NERC's priorities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing research funding competitions and post-award monitoring. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed similar projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to communicate complex information clearly. Practice explaining intricate concepts in simple terms, as this skill is crucial for engaging with diverse stakeholders, including researchers and policymakers.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements of the Programme Manager position. Make notes on how your experience aligns with these aspects.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in programme management, research funding, and stakeholder engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses the essential and desirable criteria mentioned in the job description. Provide concrete examples of your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your documents are clear, concise, and professional.
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Programme Manager at NERC. Familiarise yourself with their strategic delivery plan and how your experience aligns with their goals in environmental research and innovation.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As the role involves engaging with various stakeholders, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex information clearly. Use examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced or collaborated with diverse teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple tasks. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to prioritise effectively or manage a project under tight deadlines, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Since the role requires collaboration with both internal teams and external stakeholders, be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team setting. Emphasise your flexibility and initiative in contributing to group objectives.
