Project Coordinator (Operations)

Newcastle University is seeking an outstanding Project Coordinator to coordinate the operational functions of two significant regional partnerships: the North East Uni Connect Programme (NEUCP) and Access Universities for North East England (Access UNEE). Together, these partnerships bring universities, colleges, schools and strategic stakeholders together to improve educational outcomes, reduce inequalities and support progression to higher education across the North East.

The role will focus on ensuring that all operational systems, processes and requirements that underpin programme delivery are effectively managed. This includes responsibility for data collection, financial processes, governance, compliance and administrative coordination across the two partnerships.

In this role, you will:
• Coordinate day-to-day operational support and systems to enable effective delivery of partnership programmes.
• Oversee operational functions including finance, data management, governance and administration.
• Lead partnership-wide data collection processes, ensuring accurate, timely and complete submissions.
• Manage the administration and quality assurance of operational systems, databases and records, including HEAT.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, data governance requirements, data sharing agreements and programme policies.
• Coordinate financial processes, including expenditure monitoring, payments, claims and financial reporting requirements.
• Support budget management by providing accurate financial information and monitoring partner compliance with financial requirements.
• Coordinate governance, audit and assurance activities, maintaining accurate documentation and records.
• Monitor compliance with operational processes and programme requirements, identifying and addressing risks or issues.
• Line manage and develop Project Assistants, ensuring workloads, priorities and performance expectations are effectively managed.
• Act as a key operational contact for partner organisations, providing guidance on processes, compliance requirements and deadlines.
• Plan and coordinate operational cycles, monitoring progress against milestones and implementing process improvements.
• Provide operational support, assurance and management information to support programme planning, reporting and decision-making.

You will bring:
• Experience of coordinating operational processes within a complex, multi-partner project or programme environment.
• Proven ability to manage systems and processes relating to data collection, finance and governance.
• Experience of working with data systems (e.g. HEAT or similar), including oversight of data entry, validation and quality assurance.
• Knowledge of data protection, GDPR and data sharing requirements within a partnership or institutional setting.
• Experience of coordinating financial processes, including budget monitoring, payments and financial reporting support.
• Experience coordinating audit processes to provide assurance to funders/stakeholders.
• Ability to ensure compliance with processes, deadlines and contractual or programme requirements across multiple stakeholders.
• Experience of developing and improving operational systems and processes.
• Experience of supervising or managing staff, including allocating work and monitoring performance.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required for this post.
• Full UK driving licence (vehicle will be provided as necessary).

Salary: £32,722 to £33,662 with progression to £35,302 per annum.

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Contract Type: Full Time, Fixed Term to 31st October 2027 in the initial instance. This role could be offered as a secondment.

Successful candidates will require satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Successful candidates will also require satisfactory evidence of a full UK driving licence. This appointment is also subject to satisfactory medical clearance.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We hold a Gold Athena Swan award, a Race Equality Charter Bronze award, and are a Disability Confident employer.