Programme Manager

Company DescriptionLGC Ltd (www.lgcgroup.com) is a global life sciences company serving government, academia, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food, environment, security, and sports sectors. Its Grant Management Group (GMG) works closely with the NIHR and other UK government bodies to support medical and health research. GMG manages funding calls, contracts and intellectual property, ensuring research projects are delivered efficiently and in line with strategic priorities, while collaborating with stakeholders across the NHS, academia, government and industry to advance health innovation.The NIHR, funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, is the UK’s largest funder of health and social care research. It delivers world leading studies that improve health, wellbeing and economic growth with GMG providing critical operational and management support to its funding programs.Job DescriptionWe are looking for a Programme Manager to join the Research Programmes team responsible for the management of the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research (PGfAR), Programme Development Grants (PDG), Mental Health Research Groups (MHRG) funding schemes, and the Blood and Transplant Research Units (BTRUs).Reporting to a Senior Programme Manager, the role will cover the full end-to-end process of research management, from launching new calls for applications through to the active monitoring of funded projects, and will require an ability to work collaboratively with other team members. The post provides the opportunity for exciting external liaison, with interfaces to UK government, academia, industry and the clinical community.Key ResponsibilitiesSupporting all aspects of research funding, including researching potential call themes, advising potential applicants, revising application forms and guidance documents, reviewing and short-listing of applications for funding, managing and attending the funding committee, etc.Undertaking due diligence of proposals based on critical assessment of healthcare-related projects, including reviewing the scientific, technical and clinical rationale of projects. In addition, with support from senior members of the team, evaluation of proposed intellectual property (IP) protection and freedom to operate positions and assessment of the proposed dissemination, adoption and/or commercialisation strategyNegotiating funding agreements for projects recommended for funding, including the negotiation of milestones, financial arrangements and reporting requirements to enable successful project progressionManaging a portfolio of funded projects, including monitoring of scientific, clinical performance, reviewing IP and dissemination plans and managing contractual changes to ensure appropriate strategies are in place to achieve impactLiaising regularly with internal and external stakeholders, including attending, organising and leading meetings, representing the funder’s perspective at project meetings to facilitate successful project development, and promoting and representing funding programmes at external meetingsContributing to strategic programme initiativesDrafting, work instructions and template documents and issuing guidelinesAssisting with the quality control of minutes, outcome letters and other external documentationAssisting in the preparation of regular and ad hoc programme reports, papers and minutesIdentifying enhancements to working practices and defining, implementing and supporting the processes to deliver operational excellenceSupporting responses to Parliamentary Questions or briefing requests from DHSC, often at very short noticeDeveloping and maintaining excellent professional relationships with other GMG teams, applicants, award holders, colleagues within NIHR and at the DHSC, and act as a role model to colleagues at all levels. Provide support and ownership of key tasks relating to delivery of BTRUs and MHRG scheme establishment, commissioning and monitoring. QualificationsCore competencies and Experience Required:Required CriteriaA degree in biomedical, health or social sciencesExperience of working in a research environmentExcellent and meticulous attention to detailExcellent communication, presentation and writing skillsExcellent planning and organisational skills, able to prioritise and manage multiple tasks, working to challenging targets and deadlinesExcellent interpersonal skills, from liaising with internal and external stakeholders and communitiesCommitted team player with an ability to build effective working relationshipsWell-developed analytical and complex problem-solving skills, with a solution based approachGood financial awarenessStrong IT skillsDesirable Criteria Experience of working with government departments and the NHSA higher degree in biomedical, health or social sciencesExperience in research managementKnowledge of the UK’s health and care research landscapeAdditional InformationCompensation, Benefits & Working Arrangements:Salary: £40,300 per yearLocation: Twickenham, London / Hybrid working modelContract Type: Fixed Term Contract 12 monthsWorking Hours: 37.5 per week, 7.5 hours per dayAnnual Leave: 25 days, plus UK public holidaysEmployee Benefits Include:Annual bonus, subject to company performanceEnhanced Contributory Pension SchemeLife Insurance CoverBenenden Healthcare MembershipTraining and Development OpportunitiesSeason Ticket LoanNB: We offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, flexible working arrangements. This is an office based, hybrid role with an expectation for all employees to attend our offices 1 day each week, this may increase, subject to team requirements.ApplicationIf you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a 'Statement of Suitability' that showcases your key skills and experiences in relation to the 'Required Criteria' outlined in the job description. Additionally, share your enthusiasm for working with the NIHR.Deadline for applications is 5pm on the 24th November, with interviews to commence from the 1st December. Inclusion and DiversityLGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.