Job Description
Head of Programme Operations - IS8 Life SciencesMedical Research CouncilSalary: £58,589 per annumBand: UKRI Band FContract Type: Open endedHours: Full-time (flexible working available)Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire - Hybrid working availableClosing Date: Wednesday 1st July 2026PurposeTo lead programme operations for the UKRI Life Sciences Industrial Strategy programme.As Head of Programme Operations, you will work across UKRI to support the organisations mission to deliver strategic government and societal priorities through the Life Sciences programme.You will be line managed by the Programme Director for the Life Sciences programme and will lead a small team. You will work closely with MRC teams and life sciences teams from across UKRI.Each IS8 programme delivers a portfolio of investments and interventions through councils and Innovate UK teams. Your role will be the strategic and operational coordination across these delivery teams, to support the design, delivery and performance of the Life Sciences programme.You will lead on programme governance, monitoring and evaluation, risk and assurance, finance, and secretariat functions.
You will operate confidently across a complex, multi-organisation environment, building and maintaining strong working relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to support the development and delivery of a portfolio of high-profile projects that will address government and societal priorities in the life sciences.Key ResponsibilitiesLine management of delivery team members.Working with the programme director to establish and maintain portfolio governance structures.Support the strategic development and delivery of the Life Sciences programme across UKRI.Managing the secretariat for the Life Sciences Programme Boards/meetings and supporting the programme director and SRO with paperwork and briefings.Leading and/or supporting the development of business cases for the programme.Lead the successful design, management and delivery of the programme including: Alignment of projects with objectivesReal time progress monitoringRisk managementReportingMonitoring, evaluation and impact managementBenefits realisationBuilding and maintaining strong relationships with key contacts across UKRIs other relevant priority programmes and external stakeholders from government departments, industry and medical research funders.Planning, scheduling and securing resources for delivery of the programme, working with Council and Innovate UK operations teams.Maintaining overall coherence of programme and governance frameworks to support projects and plan programme assurance activities.Matrix working with delivery teams across UKRI to ensure dependencies are actively managed, act as an arbiter to resolve issues across the programme.Ensuring delivery within budget and working with the finance business partner teams to hit spend profiles.About you /Personal SpecificationThe below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).Portfolio, programme and project management experience alongside relevant qualifications. (S/I)Experience in managing complex, multistakeholder life sciences R&D programmes and portfolios. (S/I)Strong understanding of programme governance, risk management, and benefits realisation.
(S/I)Understanding of UK Government Green, Teal and Magenta Books. (I)The ability to build influential networks and experience in managing relationships across a broad range of stakeholders, and cross-functional teams. (I)The ability to foster collaboration and resolve conflicts.
(I)Experience of leading teams and mentoring staff. (S/I)An understanding of financial management, including cost control, and financial forecasting and reporting. (S/I)Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
(S/I)A degree or PhD in health and life sciences or equivalent experience working in life sciences research management (S/I).BenefitsWe recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!A list of benefits below:An outstanding defined salary pension scheme.30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.Flexible working options.Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!For further information on our benefits please see:Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contactTPBN1_UKTJ