Job Specifications
About The Role
Informal Queries
For informal queries, please contact Paul Milne, SME Group Deputy Director at p.milne@warwick.ac.uk
Flexible Working
We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.
Are you ready for a new challenge and to help transform UK manufacturing? Can you help to lead our
highly talented multidisciplinary team of engineers and business experts to help small manufacturers
make big changes?
WMG has an opportunity for an experienced Programme Manager, to lead a portfolio of projects within
WMG’s SME Group that support UK manufacturing SMEs to adopt technology, new thinking and
innovation to boost their future competitiveness and make more in the UK. The delivery of a missionbased strategy consists of multiple projects, ranging from contracts with individual SMEs, to regional,
and national, government funded programmes.
The successful candidate will have proven project management abilities as well as management
experience both in industrial and research (University) environments. You will need to have excellent
people management and communication skills, as well as the proven ability to manage customer
relationships, as well as oversee efficient and compliant operational practices to deliver successful
projects and outcomes. You will be supported by and expected to lead, a dedicated team of project
management professionals within the groups’ Project Management Office (PMO) to manage projects
and operational activities (including recruitment) within the SME Group.
About You
The successful candidate will have proven project management abilities as well as management experience both in industrial and research (University) environments. You will need to have excellent people management and communication skills, as well as the proven ability to manage customer relationships, as well as oversee efficient and compliant operational practices to deliver successful projects and outcomes.
You will be supported by and expected to lead, a dedicated team of project management professionals within the groups’ Project Management Office (PMO) to manage projects and operational activities (including recruitment) within the SME Group.
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.
About The Department
WMG has an opportunity for an experienced Programme Manager, to lead a portfolio of projects within
WMG’s SME Group that support UK manufacturing SMEs to adopt technology, new thinking and innovation to boost their future competitiveness and make more in the UK. The delivery of a missionbased strategy consists of multiple projects, ranging from contracts with individual SMEs, to regional,and national, government funded programmes.
The position is funded through WMG’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre initially to March 2028 with an extension beyond this period possible but dependant on the Government’s on-going commitment and the level of funding available to the Catapult centre subsequently.
The Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) is the largest department at the University of Warwick, with over 800 staff and nearly 3,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in management, technology, and applied engineering.
We are globally recognised for our world-class research, innovative industry partnerships, and teaching excellence, and we are proud holders of the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the Institutional Silver Award.
Find out more about the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre.
Find out more about the Energy Innovation Centre.
Find out more about our range of undergraduate and apprenticeship degrees here.
About The University
We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**
Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.
World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025
Research Excellence Framework 2021
How to Apply
CLOSING DEADLINE: Wednesday 25th February 2025 at 11:55pm (UK Time)
To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.
Your CV Should Include
Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).
Your Cover Letter Should Explain
Your motivations for applying to the role.
Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).
All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.
For guidance on writing a cover letter, see here.
Interview Date: Mid March 2026
Start Date: As soon as possible
Please no
About the Company
We're a world-leading university with the highest academic and research standards. But we're not letting the story end there. That's because we're a place of possibility. We're always looking for new ways to make things happen. And our students, alumni and staff are consistently making an impact - the kind that changes lives, whether close to home or on a global scale. It's the achievements of our people that help explain why our levels of research excellence and scholarship are recognised internationally. It's a prime attra...
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