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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage research portfolios and build relationships with universities and industry.
- Company: Join the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, a leader in UK research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with excellent work-life balance initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK research and innovation while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Graduate or equivalent with strong problem-solving and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 37841 - 37841 £ per year.
Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
Salary: £37,841 per annum
Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 0.6 FTE considered)
Contract type: Open ended
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire
Grade: UKRI D
Positions available: 6
Purpose
As an EPSRC Portfolio Manager, you will work with the engineering and physical sciences research community to achieve our aim to put the UK at the forefront of international research. You will manage a portfolio, build relationships with universities and industry, facilitate decision‑making processes, and plan and implement community events.
Main outputs and activities
- Gathering, understanding and integrating internal and external information about the research and innovation landscape and the EPSRC portfolio
- Operation of peer review and other formal decision‑making processes
- Managing strategic relationships with key stakeholders in universities, business, and government, representing EPSRC and UKRI in external networks and meetings
- Working across teams within EPSRC and across UKRI to ensure cross‑portfolio understanding and joint initiatives as appropriate and implementing strategy and other programmes of work
- Monitoring, evaluating and reporting on activities and investments to feed into planning
- Supporting senior colleagues with development of projects and implementation of plans, coordinating and operating processes supporting delivery across EPSRC
Criteria
- Problem solving and analytical skills, including a focus on successful outcomes
- Effective communication skills (verbal, presentational and written)
- Ability to work with others as part of a team, supporting others through behaviour and empathy to deliver goals
- Capability to demonstrate how activities contribute to the wider strategic objectives of an organisation and external stakeholders
- Experience in leading delivery of activities to achieve wider goals, including appropriate planning, making effective decisions and influencing others
- Creativity, adaptability and openness to change
- Graduate (or equivalent)
Benefits
- 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
- Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
- Flexible working options
- 25% pension contribution – Career Average Revalued Earnings pension scheme
- Additional benefits and wellbeing initiatives enabling a great work‑life balance
Research Portfolio Manager employer: UKRI
Contact Detail:
UKRI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Portfolio Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the engineering and physical sciences community. Attend events, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the EPSRC and its projects. Understand their goals and how your skills can contribute. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it's verbal or written, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to sharpen your presentation skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Portfolio Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Portfolio Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing portfolios and building relationships, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key for this role, use clear and concise language in your application. We want to see how you can convey complex ideas simply, so don’t hold back on demonstrating your written communication prowess!
Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities: In your application, share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and come up with innovative solutions, especially in a research context.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Know Your Portfolio
Before the interview, dive deep into the EPSRC portfolio. Understand the key projects and initiatives they are involved in. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves managing relationships with universities and industry, think of examples from your past where you've successfully built or maintained professional relationships. Be ready to share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your interpersonal skills.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached them. Highlight your analytical skills and focus on successful outcomes, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for in a candidate.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice your verbal and written communication skills. You might be asked to present ideas or strategies, so being clear and concise is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to refine your presentation style.