Project Manager - TI Operations

Project Manager (TI Operations) £42,500 - £49,500 plus benefits

Reports to:

Portfolio Lead (Therapeutic Innovation) Directorate:
Research & Innovation

Contract:

Permanent

Hours:

Full time 35 hours per week

Location:

Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge (High Flex, 1-2 days per week in office) Closing date:
Sunday 6th September 23:55pm Recruitment process:
Initial screening call followed by 2nd stage on-site competency-based interview with presentation. Interview dates:
Screening calls: 17th/18th September Second stage: W/C 28th September

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We are seeking a highly organised and proactive individual to coordinate the activities, information and systems required to support the delivery of priority projects across the Drug Discovery portfolio within Therapeutic Innovation (TI). In this role, you will help ensure projects are efficiently managed, well‑tracked and aligned with wider portfolio objectives. Working collaboratively with scientific, operational and commercial colleagues, you will play a key part in driving clarity, consistency and effective decision‑making across the programme.

You will work closely with Project Leads and discipline leads to maintain accurate project plans and resource allocations, ensuring that project management platforms and team documentation remain up to date. A key part of the role will involve coordinating the generation, review and maintenance of project profiles, supporting project teams with timely, high‑quality information. You will also collaborate with the Commercial Operations Manager to track outsourced activities and provide visibility of associated timelines and contracting requirements.

Where applicable, you will support colleagues in Commercial Partnerships by monitoring and communicating key partner terms, including funding, milestones, objectives and timelines. In addition, you will work with the Portfolio Lead to provide oversight and organisational support across the Portfolio Generation and Drug Discovery portfolio, contributing to the smooth progression of projects and the overall efficiency of the portfolio. The post holder will be expected to travel regularly to TI and CRUK sites, averaging two days per week;

however, there is flexibility to work remotely. Travel costs to sites other than the post holder’s primary location will be covered by Cancer Research Horizons.

• Ensure key project data including milestones, planned costs, objectives, key stakeholders and project statuses are kept current
• Work with Project and Discipline teams to ensure all project and resource data is captured in an accurate and timely manner
• Support Project Leads with monthly project meetings, including capturing and tracking actions and delivery timelines
• Work with the Portfolio Lead to optimise reporting and processes to support the progression and prioritisation of the TI portfolio
• Ensure cooperation and compliance across TI projects with portfolio/project guidance documents and templates
• Make and suggest improvements to templates and guidance documents where relevant, to maintain effective ways of working
• Work with the project team to review, capture and communicate current risks and issues
• Report on project scientific milestones, actuals and resource allocations

• Demonstratable experience in effective project management, with a track record of coordinating complex work streams and delivering high‑quality outcomes.
• Proven experience partnering with scientists in a scientific or research‑led environment, enabling strong collaboration and informed decision‑making.
• Confident user of project and/or resource management software, with the ability to leverage tools to enhance planning, prioritisation, and delivery.
• Background in drug discovery, drug development, or cancer biology is highly advantageous, bringing valuable scientific context to your work.
• Exceptional ability to translate complex scientific information into clear, concise, and actionable insights tailored to varied audiences.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively across multiple…