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NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)

Programme Manager

Hybrid

Twickenham, United kingdom

£ 40,300 /year

Freelance

12-11-2025

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Skills

Problem Solving Monitoring Research Training

Job Specifications

LGC is a global life sciences company. Its Grant Management Group works with the NIHR to manage funding calls, contracts and intellectual property, ensuring research programs are delivered efficiently and strategically. The NIHR, funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, is the UK’s largest funder of health and social care research, improving health, wellbeing and economic growth.

Job Description

We are looking for a Programme Manager to join the Research Programmes team responsible for the management of the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research (PGfAR), Programme Development Grants (PDG), Mental Health Research Groups (MHRG) funding schemes, and the Blood and Transplant Research Units (BTRUs).

Reporting to a Senior Programme Manager, the role will cover the full end-to-end process of research management, from launching new calls for applications through to the active monitoring of funded projects and will require an ability to work collaboratively with other team members. The post provides the opportunity for exciting external liaison, with interfaces to UK government, academia, industry and the clinical community.

Key Responsibilities

Support research funding activities, including developing call themes, advising applicants, reviewing documentation, shortlisting, and managing committee processes
Conduct due diligence on proposals, assessing scientific, technical and clinical rationale and advising on IP, dissemination and commercialisation
Negotiate and manage funding agreements, ensuring milestones, finances and reporting are met
Oversee a portfolio of funded projects, monitoring progress, reviewing outputs and ensuring delivery of impact
Liaise with stakeholders, representing funder perspectives and promoting programmes at internal and external meetings
Contribute to strategic initiatives and continuous improvement of operational processes
Maintain documentation, guidance, and templates to support effective programme delivery
Prepare reports, papers and briefings, including Parliamentary and DHSC responses when required

Core competencies and Experience Required:

Required Criteria

Degree in biomedical, health, or social sciences
Proven experience in programme management within research, health, or the public sector
Strong understanding of UK research funding structures, governance and policy processes
Demonstrated ability to manage complex research portfolios and negotiate funding agreements
Skilled in evidence based evaluation, analysis and report writing
Experience working within a research focused environment
Excellent analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to address complex issues

Desirable Criteria

Postgraduate qualification in biomedical, health, or social sciences
Experience in research commissioning and programme oversight
Proven ability to measure, monitor and evaluate programme outcomes

Compensation, Benefits & Working Arrangements:

Salary: £40,300 per year

Location: Twickenham, London / Hybrid working model

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 12 months

Working Hours: 37.5 per week, 7.5 hours per day

Annual Leave: 25 days, plus UK public holidays

Employee Benefits Include:

Annual bonus, subject to company performance

Enhanced Contributory Pension Scheme

Life Insurance Cover

Benenden Healthcare Membership

Training and Development Opportunities

Season Ticket Loan

NB: We offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, flexible working arrangements. This is an office based, hybrid role with an expectation for all employees to attend our offices 1 day each week, this may increase, subject to team requirements.

Application

If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a 'Statement of Suitability' that showcases your key skills and experiences in relation to the 'Required Criteria' outlined in the job description. Additionally, share your enthusiasm for working with the NIHR.

Deadline for applications is 5pm on the 24th November, with interviews to commence from the 1st December.

Inclusion and Diversity

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.

About the Company

The NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. We do this by: - Funding high quality, timely research that benefits the NHS, public health and social care; - Investing in world-class expertise, facilities and a skilled delivery workforce to translate discoveries into improved treatments and services; - Partnering with patients, service users, carers and communities, improving the relevance, quality and impact of our research; - Attracting, train... Know more