Programme Manager (Research Delivery)

This role leads operations across the Brain Health and Injury Group's research portfolio, directed by Professor Lisa Hill and Lt Col (Prof) James Mitchell. The Group is an interdisciplinary team delivering experimental medicine, early-phase clinical research and large-scale longitudinal cohort studies in brain health and injury. We integrate discovery science, advanced imaging, biofluid biomarkers and real-world data. Our work runs from experimental models to clinical studies embedded in NHS pathways, and increasingly into multi-site, Defence-partnered programmes that depend on secure, well-governed data infrastructure.

The postholder will be responsible for leading the operational delivery of a portfolio of externally funded programmes. These include the mTBI Predict Study, a longitudinal study funded by the US Department of Defense and UK Ministry of Defence that is identifying biomarkers to predict long-term outcomes after mild traumatic brain injury. They will also lead the operational set-up of new large-scale programmes, including secure data environments, data governance and access arrangements, multi-partner contracting, and reporting to government and Defence funders.

Project Delivery:
- Leading on the management of a portfolio of programmes, including influencing and developing complex project plans
- Creating and maintaining programme management plans for the portfolio of projects using project management principles and appropriate software
- Planning, organising and maintaining a regular schedule of project meetings and ensuring sufficient engagement by all relevant parties
- Managing the budget for the portfolio of projects as required
- Delivering project outputs agreed with senior management, on time, to budget and to the agreed quality standard
- Building and maintaining effective relationships with funders, partner organisations and University professional services
- Identifying and developing strategic priorities for growth of the group

Monitoring, Evaluation and Communication:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive evaluation strategy across the programme portfolio
- Establish and implement reporting procedures which meet requirements, and ensure all necessary data is gathered in a timely and efficient manner
- Analyse data to determine if it is fit for purpose, and take appropriate action to ensure data quality where necessary
- Identify objectives and indicators of success and develop reporting mechanisms for the portfolio, then report on project progress to the relevant project board or equivalent and highlight any risks
- Maintain a risk register as appropriate, and communicate risks in a timely manner, proactively proposing solutions
- Engage and communicate with a variety of stakeholders to ensure progress and to disseminate outputs of the projects as appropriate

People Management:
- Manage diverse groups of staff ensuring relevant targets and goals are achieved within resource constraints
- Create a motivating environment where staff are challenged, developed, encouraged and supported to achieve outstanding results
- Responsible for ensuring all annual review processes, including Performance and Development Reviews, are conducted in the service area
- Identify appropriate opportunities for development and change and encourage other team members to do the same
- Guide staff through periods of change, communicating a clear and positive vision

General:
- Actively manage equality, diversity and inclusion through monitoring and evaluation and actively challenging unacceptable behaviour
- Support the University's sustainability agenda through resource efficient working
- Any other duties commensurate with the grade

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience:
- Significant project management experience leading large complex projects, as well as wider relevant experience (a degree or relevant equivalent professional qualification may be beneficial but is not essential)
- Relevant formal Project Management qualifications such as APMP, Prince2 or MSP are useful but not essential
- Authoritative knowledge of work practices, processes and procedures relevant to the role, including broader sector/commercial awareness, experience of establishing and operating secure data environments, working in a research, healthcare, NHS or higher education environment, and working with defence or security-sensitive organisations
- Experience of managing programme reporting and performance monitoring, including oversight of complex datasets and ensuring data quality, governance and compliance requirements are met
- Evidence of literacy and numeracy, with the ability to write clearly for a variety of audiences, and to produce and analyse source material, information and data
- Proven ability to meet targets with minimal supervision and to deadlines
- Substantial experience of engaging and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders
- Proven analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively with a range of stakeholders
- Experience of managing large financial budgets along with experience of budget planning and forecasting
- Highly proficient IT skills, including the MS Office suite, with confidence to quickly learn new IT skills and software packages
- Excellent people management skills, with some experience of leading, motivating and managing teams
- High level of self-motivation and personal accountability with ability to plan and deliver goals to deadlines under pressure
- Ability to monitor and evaluate the extent to which equality and diversity legislation, policies and procedures are applied
- Ability to identify issues with the potential to impact on protected groups and take appropriate action
- Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area

Benefits:
- 40 days paid holiday per year
- One paid day per year for volunteering
- Occupational sick pay
- Pension scheme
- Three high quality subsidised day nurseries
- Access to state-of-the-art sports centre with pool
- Subsidised shops, places to eat and drink on campus
- Art gallery, museum and botanical gardens on campus
- Birmingham Professional development programme for all professional services staff
- Flexible working arrangements (discussed on application)