Programme Manager
- Up to £56000.00 per annum
- London
- Permanent
Programme Manager - National Digitisation and Data Infrastructure Initiative
You will work as part of a national research and innovation programme supported by a major UK research funding body. The role includes steering aspects of the full business case; managing the transition from planning to delivery; and coordinating across institutional workstreams and UK-wide digitisation projects during each funding phase.
We are looking for someone with a strong focus on positive outcomes and problem-solving, who leads and works proactively, collaboratively and with kindness to get the best out of a diverse group of staff, partners and stakeholders. In the first instance, you will need to be flexible and self-starting, working with a small team to scope and develop the programme before it transitions to full funding.
You will be part of a digital and data-focused directorate within a major UK research institution, working with leadership teams drawn from across the organisation, as well as representatives from the national funding council and partner organisations participating in the programme. You will report to and work closely with the Programme Delivery Director, who is accountable for the institution's programme deliverables as a whole. You will also work with a range of other stakeholders including teams across the research council and in central, devolved and local government.
The lead institution will oversee four key workstreams as part of the national digitisation and data initiative:
A large-scale internal digitisation programme as part of a national collection. Once funding is available, this internal programme will have its own leadership structure, but your role will include coordination across this and other digitisation projects nationally.
Programme delivery management for the initiative, serving as a central hub for all digitisation and data mobilisation work - including training and support for nationwide teams and projects, and monitoring their activities.
Leadership of the data infrastructure component, including collaboration with commercial suppliers and major data aggregators, as well as direct development of some components.
Establishment of a Catalysis Centre - a research and innovation hub designed to advance digitisation processes and unlock the impact of digitised collections data.
You can work remotely if you wish, but there will be a requirement to attend the institution's main site approximately once a week (or more, as needed) to collaborate with colleagues, and occasionally travel across the UK for meetings and events, which may involve overnight stays.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Working with the Programme Delivery Director, lead the organisation's central programme management responsibilities for the national digitisation programme, including planning, resource management, budget oversight, delivery management and documentation.
Lead the day-to-day relationship with the national funding body's programme team, including weekly meetings and joint leadership on areas such as risk and issue management, benefits management, governance and business case development.
Coordinate the organisation's contribution to the business case and approvals process, including leading relevant sections or annexes.
Line-manage the internal programme management team as it develops (anticipated to grow from one direct report initially to around 6-10 staff once full funding is released), and lead or support recruitment of relevant roles.
Contribute to developing and implementing the programme governance framework, including preparing materials and supporting internal stakeholders for key governance and assurance processes such as gateway reviews; and support or deputise for the Programme Delivery Director as needed.
Report on programme progress and represent the initiative at a senior level in governance meetings and with stakeholders across the national collections and research community.
Work with workstream and project leads to define, scope, plan and deliver workstreams for the programme, including digitisation, infrastructure and catalysis activities, and manage interdependencies.
During delivery, coordinate monitoring of outputs to quality, time and budget across the national programme, escalating issues promptly for support and intervention.
Coordinate the organisation's responsibilities in procurement and supplier relationships, for example in relation to consultancy support for the business case.
Work with Finance to manage programme budgets and spending, ensuring they remain on track; escalate issues promptly and contribute to future funding rounds.
Role Competencies
Recognised qualification and/or equivalent experience in formal programme and project management methodologies.
Proven leadership and change management experience, including delivery at pace and effective resource prioritisation in complex environments.
Experience working and communicating successfully with a wide matrix of stakeholders, including technical specialists (e.g. developers, engineers, researchers).
Experience with business case development and programme assurance processes, ideally within a UK government or research funding context (e.g. Green Book business case, gateway reviews).
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with proven ability to manage expectations, influence senior stakeholders, and explain complex topics clearly for diverse audiences.
Experience managing, leading and developing teams.
Demonstrable outcome focus with a flexible and innovative approach to problem-solving.
Experience using data to inform decision-making and generate insights, including familiarity with relevant tools and approaches.
Experience with digital collaboration and project management tools is advantageous.
Previous experience with scientific, data or IT programmes is beneficial, as is a passion for applying open data to address global challenges (e.g. climate change and biodiversity).
We encourage applications from people who meet many, but not all, of the criteria and who are motivated to learn and grow in the role.
Sphere Digital Recruitment currently have a variety of job opportunities across digital so feel free to get in touch with us to find out how we can help you. Please take a look at our website.
Sphere is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications regardless of ethnic origin, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, gender or sexual orientation, and any other protected status as required by applicable law.
If you require any adjustments or additional support during the recruitment process for any reason whatsoever, please let us know.
