NextNet Programme Manager

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Next Net Programme Grant Project Manager. Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for five years, the programme grant is a three-university collaboration with industry involving roughly a dozen academics across three universities, a similar number of post-doctoral research associates, supporting PhD students and a large industry advisory board.

The Next Net Programme Grant seeks to explore the options for the future GB electrical power system by 2050 and understand what needs to be done to get there. Possible pathways must be mapped out to reduce cost, improve security and maximise equity within the drive to Net Zero, including the consideration and evaluation of radical options such as ultra-high voltage transmission or an extensive offshore, multi-terminal HVDC network.

The programme will develop the right tools to inform planning, operation, policy and investment, and the Project Manager will help deliver this substantial step towards a sustainable energy supply in the UK.

• Provide strategic oversight of research work-packages to ensure effective project delivery and compliant, timely expenditure
• Manage the overall administration of the operation of the project including progress against budget, progress against contractual plans to enable the fulfilment of milestones in due time, legal and financial issues, monitoring of KPIs, and project deliverable reporting
• Responsibility for monitoring and reporting on the progress of the project portfolio
• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders and act as a point of contact for approaches by prospective partners and collaborators, government organizations, industry contacts, funding bodies, and the academic community
• Lead on the delivery of strategic meetings, online or at various partner locations, and their outcomes

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

• Relevant first degree
• Familiarity with project management processes and procedures appropriate to a large R&D project
• Demonstrable experience in project management in an academic environment
• Track record in managing large scale budgets including budget planning, delivering work within budget and to deadline and working with financial and support staff in partner organizations
• Strong organisational & administrative skills; including task prioritisation and time-management

• Experience of working in a research environment in the Higher Education sector
• Experience of report writing
• Experience of research project management
• Experience of dissemination and stakeholder engagement

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

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Name:
Professor Mike Barnes

Email Address:

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