Research Programmes Manager

Research Programmes Manager

We have established a number of high-profile strategic initiatives to help us advance our work towards a cure. We now have an exciting opportunity for a Research Programme Manager to support the successful ongoing delivery of two of our major initiatives, the Drug Discovery Alliance and Brains for Dementia Research, and collaborate across the organisation and externally to maximise their impact.

Where required, the successful candidate will also support the ongoing delivery of our other major initiatives, working collaboratively across the organisation to maximise their impact both internally and externally.

This role sits within the Strategic Programmes team in the Research Directorate, an ambitious, supportive and friendly team that funds the best research to transform the lives of people affected by all forms of dementia. We're looking for someone with strong programme management experience, a good eye for detail and who is excited by the opportunities in the dementia research landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the delivery of two of ARUK's major initiatives, Drug Discovery Alliance (DDA) and Brains for Dementia Research (BDR), and other initiatives as required:

Develop a deep understanding of the programmes, acting as a point of knowledge and expertise

Implement robust and proportionate review processes to oversee delivery of objectives and manage risks

Ensure finances are effectively reported on and managed, working with the Research Funding and Finance teams

Lead the preparation of papers and briefings for meetings, and support the Research Officer to ensure minutes and actions are captured and followed up on

Monitor and disseminate the impact of the DDA and BDR, to effectively tell the story of the initiatives and identify gaps:

Monitor key programme progress, scientific developments and major outputs

Work with the Impact team to ensure data gathered from the programme meets the needs of the wider organisation in terms of communicating progress and impact

Work with the Public Involvement team to ensure the initiatives are reflective of the needs of people with lived experience

Stakeholder management

Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the initiatives to identify opportunities to maximise their impact and value.

Collaborate with the Head of Strategic Programmes and colleagues across the Research Directorate and wider ARUK to identify opportunities to strengthen programme objectives, provide updates on progress, and promote achievements.

Act as a key point of contact and subject matter expert for the initiatives, both internally and externally.

Support development of the strategic programme team's strategy:

Contribute to internal meetings, including discussions and content on strategic programmes and new initiatives

Maintain up to date knowledge of developments in the dementia research field

Attend meetings and events to build relationships and promote our strategic programmes

Support the Research Leadership team to enhance ARUK's external profile through active participation in meetings and collaborations with key stakeholders

Line Management Responsibilities:

Line management of a Research Officer, effectively delegating work to support delivery of their objectives

Help to promote an inspiring team culture where personal development is prioritised

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

Degree in Biomedical Science, or equivalent relevant knowledge and experience.

Experience and/or in-depth knowledge in early-stage drug discovery, ideally in dementia

Proven experience managing large programmes of work, preferably in the healthcare, research or charity sector

Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple priorities, overseeing budgets and identifying risks

Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including external partners and suppliers

Experience defining programme requirements and using data and metrics to determine improvements

Experience of managing staff and/or leading the delivery of work through others.

Commitment to ARUK's vision, mission and values

Good analytical skills demonstrated by a structured and methodical approach

Excellent eye for detail with a focus on continuous improvement

Strong communication skills both oral and written with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences

Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task, prioritise competing demands

Demonstrated stakeholder management (internal & external), and problem-solving skills

Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise tasks, work under pressure and meet deadlines

Ability to use own initiative, with a proactive and problem-solving attitude

Willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the…