Growth Deal Programme Manager in Stirling

Based in the Research, Innovation, Business and Engagement (RIBE) directorate, the CRD Programme Manager will support the ongoing development and delivery of the University of Stirling (UoS) projects funded through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal (CRD). The post holder will lead and manage the development, collection, analysis and reporting of information relating to the activities, finances, outputs, outcomes, and benefits delivered through the University’s City Region and Growth Deal Programme. They will analyse the Programme’s performance and support the ongoing development and operation of the Programme, reporting to the Head of the City Region and Growth Deal Programme, and working with the wider Research, Innovation & Business Engagement Directorate, other Professional Services, and Academic Faculties, developing and leading activities accordingly.

They will ensure that the reporting and other information requirements of University and Deal governance are complied with and work as a point of liaison with Deal stakeholders including the Scottish and UK Governments, local authorities, communities, and other delivery partners. They will work closely with all Project leads, as well as colleagues from Academic Faculties and Professional Services. The role holder will also have line management responsibility for the Programme’s administration function.

Description of Duties

• Design, lead and manage the development and delivery of the University of Stirling (UoS) element of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal (CRD).
• Monitor and report on benefit realisation related to the UoS CRD projects.
• Lead the coordination and preparation of information, reports, submissions, and responses to meet UK and Scottish Government and other Deal governance requirements.
• Ensure robust governance structures and processes are in place to manage and monitor project delivery against agreed outcomes.
• Provide regular reports on programme delivery to the UoS Programme Board.
• Manage the preparation of briefing papers, reports, and other information as required on issues relating to the Programme.
• Oversee effective project and programme delivery and ensure consistent approaches to project planning, financial management, risk management, and other areas of Deal operations.
• Oversee outreach activities with benefits stakeholders to maximise engagement in the Programme and its constituent Projects.
• Liaise with academic colleagues leading activities aligned to CRD delivery.
• Lead engagement with internal and external stakeholders as required.
• Oversee communications with internal and external stakeholders, and liaise with Communications, Recruitment and Marketing (CRM) colleagues over CRD content and campaigns.
• Manage the support, as required, for appropriate working groups within Projects, ensuring that agreed actions are implemented.
• Undertake any other duties as may be required, in line with the grade and nature of the role, as directed by the Head of City Region & Growth Deal Programme.

Essential Criteria

• Educated to degree level or equivalent, or employment experience across a range of roles with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Substantial practical experience in a directly relevant role.
• Experience of working successfully within complex regulations/frameworks.
• Competence and experience to design and deliver innovative and accurate methods of monitoring and evidence gathering for reporting purposes.
• Proven ability to gather evidence and data from a wide range of sources and recognise and accurately interpret patterns, trends and key issues.
• Ability to initiate processes and procedures to resolve new problems and challenges, with the ability to anticipate potential implementation difficulties and identify practical ways of overcoming and preventing them.
• Proven ability to provide clear advice and guidance.
• Proven ability to initiate strategies, work plans, processes and procedures to advance large scale work programmes.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to deliver within specified deadlines.
• Strong financial acumen.
• Ability to consider the wider impact of decisions and assess likelihood of possible outcomes and use judgment to inform decisions.
• Proven ability to provide effective relationship management with internal and external stakeholders such as faculties, governments, businesses, local authorities, research and innovation funders, and other external partner organisations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to use varying styles appropriate to different individuals, groups or situations.
• Ability to work independently, as part of a busy team and also within collaborative contexts.
• Strong commitment to operational excellence and customer care/relationship management.
• IT skills, including Microsoft Office 365.

Desirable Criteria

• Relevant postgraduate degree.
• Professional training, potentially with a formal qualification from a professional body.
• Participation with relevant networks, groups, and bodies.

Additional Information

• Full time.
• Open ended.
• The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 11 October 2026.
• Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 05 November 2026.
• There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK. This post may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 2440.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework:

• Managing self and personal skills.
• Delivering excellent service.
• Finding solutions.
• Embracing change.
• Using resources effectively.
• Engaging with the wider context.
• Developing self and others.
• Working together.
• Achieving Results.

About Us

The Directorate of Research, Innovation and Business Engagement works in partnership with Faculties, other Professional Services, and a wide range of external stakeholders to support and enhance the University's research and innovation performance. The University is committed to making a difference through our research, generating new ideas, insights and approaches that address the complex challenges and issues that are faced by human society. Supporting and enabling achievement of the strategic objectives set by the University for delivering research with impact is our core mission.

The Directorate provides a full range of services in research and innovation strategy and policy; research funding and development; research governance and integrity; researcher development for staff and postgraduate researchers; contract and legal support; systems, data, and analysis; research evaluation; innovation, commercialisation, and knowledge exchange; enterprise, company creation and growth; and engagement with businesses and other research and innovation partner organisations. Responsibility for delivering the range of transformational projects within the University's City Region and Growth Deal Programme is embedded within the Directorate. We work closely with the Deputy Principal for Research, the Dean of the Institute for Advanced Studies, the Dean for Research Engagement and Performance, and academic leaders throughout the organisation.

The University

The University of Stirling is Scottish University of the Year 2027 and UK Sports University of the Year 2027 (Daily Mail University Guide). The University is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.

The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,500 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.

We are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and, in recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.

Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 200 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver major University led projects, the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub and Scotland’s International Environment Centre. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.