Position Details
Research and Knowledge Transfer, College of Medicine and Health
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Salary: £47,389 to £56,535 (potential progression to £63,606)
Grade: 8, Full‑time, Fixed‑term contract until March 2029, Closing date 10 May 2026
Our Offer to You
Generous benefits including 40 days’ paid holiday, one day volunteering per year, occupational sick pay, pension scheme, optional flexible working and subsidised day nurseries.
Background
The University of Birmingham is a global institution offering education and research across a range of disciplines. The Professional Services team supports researchers and the development of university resources.
Department Overview
The Research Delivery team, part of the College of Medical & Health Research Office, supports high‑value projects and programmes and leads on renewals for large infrastructure awards.
Role Summary
Programme Manager (NIHR RSS Chief Operating Officer) to lead the NIHR Research Support Service Network, providing expert advice and coordination across health, public and social care research projects.
Main Duties
Leadership and Coordination
- Deliver the Network Strategy through annual plans and key metrics.
- Oversee governance arrangements and recommend improvements.
- Manage key relationships and enhance the Network’s reputation.
- Manage large or multiple projects, translating strategy into national outcomes.
- Engage stakeholders to ensure progress and disseminate outputs.
- Accountable for all finance matters related to the Network.
Network Strategy
- Update the Network Strategy in response to national policy and government direction, balancing delivery against agreed metrics.
Oversight for Core Functions of the Network Central Team
- Programme Management and Performance Oversight: ensure delivery of objectives and provide performance data.
- Provide senior management input to all functional workstreams within the Network.
- Data Analytics & Performance Reporting: oversee data strategy and consistent reporting.
- Communications, Events & Engagement: oversee activities to maximise visibility of the Network.
People Management
- Direct line management of the Central Operations Team.
- Manage diverse staff groups to achieve targets within resources.
- Create a motivating environment that challenges and develops staff.
- Conduct annual reviews, performance and development assessments.
- Identify opportunities for development and change.
- Guide staff through change with a clear vision.
General
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion by acting as a role model.
- Support the University’s sustainability agenda through efficient resource use.
- Other duties as required by the grade.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
- Degree level education (or equivalent) or extensive managerial experience in a complex organisation.
- Significant experience of large-scale programme and project management, with performance metrics.
- Authoritative knowledge of the health and care research sector, including NIHR infrastructure.
- Strategic vision and planning skills translated to successful operational delivery.
- Ability to meet targets with minimal supervision.
- Proven analytical and problem-solving skills for continuous improvement.
- Highly developed negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience managing large financial budgets and forecasting.
- Excellent people-management skills with experience leading and motivating teams.
- High self-motivation, accountability and deadline-driven performance.
- Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and ability to ensure equal treatment.
- Ability to identify issues that may impact protected groups.
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