Programme Manager

The University of Manchester - Professional Services - Unit M

Job reference: SAE-031185

Salary: £47,389 - £58,225 per annum depending on experience

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Professional Services

Location: Manchester

Employment type: Fixed Term

Division/Team: Unit M

Hours Per Week: Full time (1 FTE)

Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 14/04/2026

Contract Duration: Fixed term for 48 months

School/Directorate: Unit M

Join us in shaping the future of sustainable materials innovation.

Unit M and the Henry Royce Institute are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead the delivery of the Atom Valley Sustainable Materials Translational Research Cluster - a major £16m, UKRI‑funded initiative bringing together universities, industry, research organisations and local government.

In this pivotal role, you’ll oversee the programme’s operations, governance and financial management, ensuring smooth delivery and high‑quality reporting across a collaborative national consortium with regional focus. You’ll work closely with academic leads, innovation specialists, and diverse partners to drive progress, maintain compliance, and ensure the programme delivers real-world impact for the region and beyond.

You will take ownership of programme planning, risk management, stakeholder coordination, and financial oversight, while also fostering effective communication across partners and supporting the development of robust systems, processes and documentation. With excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, you’ll be confident navigating complexity, solving problems, and representing the programme professionally at all levels.

Based primarily at the University of Manchester, with regular engagement envisaged at the new Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre in Rochdale, this is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in accelerating innovation and supporting inclusive economic growth.

If you’re motivated, collaborative and experienced in managing complex research or innovation programmes, then we’d love to hear from you.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.