Job Description
Job Purpose
The University of Glasgow is looking for a Senior Programme Manager to manage two major public health research initiatives: the £5m Systems Science for Public Health and Economic Research Consortium (SIPHER), funded by the UK Prevention Research Partnership, and the £7.5m Policy Modelling for Health (HealthMod), funded by UKRI’s Population Health Improvement UK.SIPHER is in its final year, ending March 2025.HealthMod, which builds on and extends SIPHER’s work, began in April 2024 and is funded until March 2028. SIPHER’s concentration is currently on delivery, dissemination, reporting, and legacy building, whereas HealthMod’s initial start-up and personnel recruitment phase is nearing completion, and the team is transitioning to active research.
This is a senior management position with great power to shape the strategic direction of two major national research initiatives. You will collaborate closely with both sets of Programme Directors to develop and deliver on the strategic objectives of the programmes, and you will be in charge of the operational, risk, and administrative management of the programmes, with assistance from a Programme Administrator, Communications & Engagement Co-ordinator, and the Executive Management Group. A fundamental aspect of the function is to foster and manage effective working relationships within these highly interdisciplinary, cross-sector consortia, as well as to explore strategies for communicating research findings to external audiences such as policymakers and the general public.
You should have a relevant degree and experience leading complicated, multi-partner initiatives in university or similar environments. Experience in health, social science, and/or multidisciplinary research environments would be highly advantageous. You should have or be working towards formal programme management credentials such as PRINCE2 or PMP, as well as some acquaintance with agile management methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2 Agile), though individuals with equal experience will be considered. You will be required to make independent, high-level decisions on strategic, management, and operational problems related to programme creation and execution, acting on behalf of the Directors and accepting responsibility for outcomes. You should have a solid understanding of process assessment and financial management for major research programmes, as well as good oral and written communication skills for collaborating with different partners and external agencies. Excellent interpersonal skills are required. You should be able to plan and deliver work independently with little supervision and direction. Due to the geographical dispersion of the Consortium memberships, the position will necessitate occasional UK travel, including overnight stays.
For more information about SIPHER, visit http://sipher.ac.uk.
To learn more about HealthMod, visit https://bit.ly/44VRBDP.
Main duties and responsibilities
Working closely with the Executive Management Groups, you will lead the management of the HealthMod Programme and, during the overlap between the two programmes, the SIPHER Consortium to ensure their successful delivery, including activity monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, communication of findings, and ensuring operation on time and within budget.
Strategic and Operational Management
1. Create, assess, and implement strategic plans as a member of both programmes’ Executive Management Groups.
2. Collaborate with the Communications and Engagement Coordinator to develop internal communications strategies that foster inter-sectoral and inter-disciplinary collaboration across research projects.
3. Monitor, track, and report on progress against plans, utilising proactive risk and issue management and resolution as needed.
4. Manage all parts of external communications to maintain a consistent approach to communicating with project partners, networks of other PHI-UK and UKPRP-funded programmes, and broader stakeholders.
5. Oversee progress reporting throughout both programmes of activity, including coordinating output notification to partners and funders in compliance with contractual requirements.
6. Manage the organisation and execution of in-person team meetings and other events, such as a SIPHER showcase event scheduled for March 2025.
Financial Planning and Evaluation
7. In collaboration with the Directors and key central support departments, be accountable for the proper financial management of grant income and expenditure, including financial planning, forecasting, and reporting.
8. Collaborate with colleagues throughout the University to ensure that resources are allocated in accordance with the needs of both programmes, while adhering to university and funder financial policies and procedures.
9. Provide direction to member institutions’ Academic Leads and Finance Managers on how to ensure regular monitoring of each institution’s expenditure and forecasts in order to facilitate planning and decision-making.
10. Create performance monitoring systems to track outputs and impact (where applicable) in areas such as scientific evidence, collaboration, data gathering, training and capacity building, financial sustainability, communications, and impact.
External Impact.
11. Direct and assess communication and impact plans, collaborating closely with the Communication and involvement Coordinator to ensure outputs and external involvement.
12. Proactively explore chances to collaborate with other relevant sponsored programmes, as well as to form new collaborations and opportunities, in order to boost our profile and showcase our system science public health research.
13. Represent both programmes in meetings with stakeholders, the general public, and other academic institutions, clearly communicating their objectives and activities.
Training, Impact, and Knowledge Transfer
14. Collaborate closely with the effect Lead to create a Knowledge Transfer (KT) strategy, ensuring that chances for real-world effect are realised.
15. Report on training and capacity-building efforts to the Directorate, Universities, and Funders.
16. Identify and manage synergies in user engagement and training initiatives across member institutions.
Internal Communication
17. Communicate and coordinate across institutions, ensuring good information flow among members and a ‘joined up’ program-wide approach to all activities.
18. Create systems to identify concerns early and keep the consortium’s work plan on track.
19. Create processes and guidelines (e.g., conflict of interest, publications) appropriate for individuals, groups, and networks operating at all levels of the consortium.
20. Maintain regular contact with team members, including in-person visits at partner universities, to provide advise and assistance as needed.
People Management
21. Effectively manage relationships with senior coworkers and external stakeholders.
22. Coordinate the efforts of professional services personnel supporting both projects across member organisations.
Other responsibilities.
23. Be diligent in keeping your personal expertise of the research topic.
24. Perform any other duties that are appropriate for the position’s grade.
Knowledge, qualifications, skills, and experience.
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential
A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 10 (Honours Degree), or equivalent, with extensive professional experience in management roles.
Alternatively, the ability to demonstrate the abilities required to perform the activities connected with this level of post after gaining the relevant professional knowledge and management skills in a similar or multiple specialty roles.
A2. A formal programme management qualification, such as PRINCE2 (or working towards it), or the ability to demonstrate comparable experience.
Desirable:
B1. Postgraduate qualification in a suitable field (e.g., MBA).
Skills
Essential
C1. Excellent knowledge of a variety of project management tools and methodologies that can be utilised to support large projects.
C2. Advanced IT skills, including the creation of high-quality reports, presentation materials (e.g., infographics), and site content.
C3. Proactive leadership and contribution to strategy creation and implementation.
C4. Outstanding operational, risk management, and organisational capabilities.
C5. Capability to coordinate resources, plan and progress work activities across a wide range of domains.
C6. Strong analytical skills and the capacity to devise innovative problem-solving strategies, as well as an understanding of the long-term repercussions.
C7. Ability to collaborate, motivate, and support teams to achieve goals.
C8. Capability to interpret and present complex financial and non-financial data in a non-technical and understandable format.
C9. The ability to negotiate and exert influence in order to balance competing agendas and goals and achieve an effective result.
C10. Excellent writing and vocal communication abilities, including experience in dealing with scientific and lay audiences.
C11. Ability to use independent judgement and initiative within the wide limitations established for the function.
C12. Ability to prioritise and operate flexibly as needs change, while delivering efficient project management across several domains.
C13. Able and willing to travel throughout the United Kingdom, including overnight stays.
Desirable:
D1. Thorough understanding of the scientific research infrastructure and processes in the UK higher education sector, including assistance with grant writing and publications.
D2. Knowledge and experience working in health or social science research settings.
Experience
Essential:
E1. Significant and verifiable experience managing significant research initiatives in higher education, the corporate sector, central or local government, or the NHS.
E2. Proven experience and skill in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, scenario planning, and other financial operations.
E3. Demonstrated ability to create and maintain outstanding connections within research teams, as well as with a diverse spectrum of internal and external stakeholders.
E4. Experience developing, implementing, monitoring, and reviewing procedures and systems.
E5. Experience building and managing a network of contacts.
Desirable
F1. Experience planning and carrying out process evaluations for big (research) initiatives.
F2. Experience with online editing, social media communications, and connecting with stakeholders through web-based media.
For casual inquiries concerning this role, email Professor Petra Meier. petra.meier@glasgow.ac.uk
Terms & Conditions.
The annual salary for Grade 8 will range between £48,350 and £56,021.
This position is full-time (35 hours per week) and has funding until March 31, 2028 in the first instance.
The University of Glasgow is responsible for ensuring that all personnel are eligible to reside and work in the UK. If you need a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you must first complete the visa route’s eligibility conditions before being awarded a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Please keep in mind that if tradeable points are allowed under the Skilled Worker visa criteria, this post may be eligible for sponsorship.For further information, visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
As a member of Team UofG, you will be part of a globally changing, inclusive community that values ambition, excellence, integrity, and curiosity.
As a respected part of our team, you should expect:
1 A friendly and engaging organisational culture in which your skills are fostered and cultivated, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An good employment package with generous terms and conditions, including 41 days of leave for full-time employees, a pension (pension handbook: https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/), benefits, and discount packages.
3. A flexible approach to employment.
4 A commitment to your health and well-being, including a complimentary 6-month UofG Sport membership for all incoming University personnel (https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/).
We think that we can only attain our greatest potential by combining the talents of everyone. Our ideals prioritise equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applications are encouraged from all members of our communities, particularly those from the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups, as well as those with other protected characteristics who are underrepresented at the University. Read more about how the University encourages and integrates all aspects of equality and diversity into our community at https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We support the concepts of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and have bronze, silver, and gold awards throughout the University.
We are investing in our company, and we will also invest in you. More information can be found on our website at https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs.