Job summary
This
is a fixed term contract role until 31 March 2027.
The
NIHR Research Inclusion Team is a strategic function with an ambitious and
far-reaching strategy and an underpinning programme of work.
Due
to the strategic importance of the Research Inclusion programme, we have a
requirement for a Project Manager who can support our work to ensure we
achieve our delivery goals.
Everything
we do takes us closer to achieving our ambition to be a more inclusive funder
of research. Our portfolio of projects
all have the capacity to deliver systemic change across our systems, cultures
and ways of working to bring about a reduction in health and care
inequalities. Our programme directly
supports the governments health mission.
You
will have the opportunity to work with a high performing team who are leading
the way in testing and improving solutions to bring about real change, to
improve the health and care of the whole nation through the research we fund.
The
ideal candidate will have a strong team focus, with an ability to support
their colleagues and programme leads flexibly, to deliver their ambitious
programmes of work.
Expected Shortlisting
Date
15/04/2026
Planned Interview
Date
23/04/2026
Main duties of the job
You
will provide project management expertise to a range of cross-NIHR projects,
to help ensure our Research Inclusion Managers successfully deliver several
high-priority and visible programmes of work.
Our
projects tend to be multi-year continuous improvement pieces to ensure we
create step changes in inclusive practice and outcomes for everyone. Projects range from complex data
improvement work to embedding important new funding requirements across all
of our awards. These are complemented
by several pilots and programmes to improve cultures and remove barriers to
participation across all NIHR funded research.
Applications
are invited from candidates with substantial experience in project management
within complex organisational systems and multi-stakeholder environments.
Experience of NHS and research sector contexts would be a distinct advantage.
This
role would suit someone who has experience in complex data system change, but
also culture improvement projects.
Both are of equal weight and importance.
About us
The
National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has a mission to
improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. The NIHR plays
a pivotal role in attracting, training and supporting the best researchers
and complements the additional NIHR investment in world-class research
facilities and a skilled research workforce.
This
role is hosted by the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust (LTHT) and delivers the
work of the NIHR, leading on policy, strategy and delivery in respect of
academic training in England and working closely with other NIHR centres and
the Science Research and Evidence (SRE) Directorate at the Department of
Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Leeds
Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk'
members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts
are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove
adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the
shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this
process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any
questions.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The
Research Inclusion Project Managers key responsibilities are:
- taking
responsibility of providing the main programme management duties to
co-ordinate the project plans for various programmes and projects as part of
Research Inclusions annual business plans and oversee delivery in line with
time, cost and quality constraints.
- supporting
project and other work streams leads and Research Inclusion Leadership team in the set up and delivery of a
range of complex programmes and projects.
- influencing
and negotiating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the
successful delivery of the work
Main
duties and responsibilities are as follows:
- Working
with project leads to create business project plans, monitoring processes and
reports and updating them throughout the life of the project, using tools
such as Google suite or other
software as appropriate. This will typically involve:
- Identifying
and prioritising project tasks, determining dependencies, estimating future
requirements and managing conflicts, - ensuring the project delivers on time,
and to the required quality standard - highlighting any problems to the
relevant project lead or project
sponsor where relevant.
- Provide
training and support to NIHR Research Inclusion staff involved in project
work.
- Membership
of project teams as required and providing support through preparing updates
to progress reports, setting agendas, and ensuring focus on the delivery of
project milestones
- To
develop, maintain and monitor plans for projects, tailoring the plans in
accordance with the complexity of the project.
- Monitor
project costs against budget (as appropriate) including budget planning and,
making recommendations to resolve various issues, e.g. budget cuts and/or
under-spends, updating sponsors and/or Research Inclusion Leadership team
regarding expenditure at regular intervals.
- Identify
and embed project risk management i.e. risk identification, analysis and
monitoring within all projects ensuring effective communication of risks and
priorities.
- Be
responsible for identifying and monitoring project issues and ensuring
appropriate ownership of activities are known, highlighting any concerns as
necessary.
- Be
responsible for arranging and facilitating project meetings, etc. including
the preparation and delivery of presentations and communication of actions
and information.
- Develop
and maintain a good knowledge of subjects relating to the project, including
an understanding of business benefits and technical issues, in order to be
able to communicate at all levels on the projects subject, including
communicating complex and often sensitive information to senior stakeholders.
- Be
responsible for the management of project-related administration support e.g.
minute taking for high level meetings with Research Inclusion Leadership,
where often complex and sensitive information will be discussed, regular
project teams meetings, compiling agendas, preparing papers, following up
action points and overseeing the project support and administration across
various projects and programmes.
- Mapping
of all key projects and stakeholders across the NIHR Research Inclusion
programme and maintaining effective working relationships with stakeholders
to ensure successful delivery of projects.
- Play
a key role in project planning including the development of annual business
plans.
- Development
and maintenance of policies and procedures in relation to project management
for all NIHR Research Inclusion projects.
- Working
with project leads and sponsors to monitor workload and co-ordination of
administrative input required for projects.
- Writing
proposals, reports and working papers as required.
- Engage
with a range of people at all levels of seniority both internal and external
to the NIHR.
- Organisation
of workshops and stakeholder meetings.
- Presenting
project progress to Research Inclusion Sub-Committee, which oftentimes will
involve the communication of sensitive or contentious information.
- Any
other duties of a similar nature that are delegated by the NIHR Research
Inclusion Leadership team.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The
Research Inclusion Project Managers key responsibilities are:
- taking
responsibility of providing the main programme management duties to
co-ordinate the project plans for various programmes and projects as part of
Research Inclusions annual business plans and oversee delivery in line with
time, cost and quality constraints.
- supporting
project and other work streams leads and Research Inclusion Leadership team in the set up and delivery of a
range of complex programmes and projects.
- influencing
and negotiating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the
successful delivery of the work
Main
duties and responsibilities are as follows:
- Working
with project leads to create business project plans, monitoring processes and
reports and updating them throughout the life of the project, using tools
such as Google suite or other
software as appropriate. This will typically involve:
- Identifying
and prioritising project tasks, determining dependencies, estimating future
requirements and managing conflicts, - ensuring the project delivers on time,
and to the required quality standard - highlighting any problems to the
relevant project lead or project
sponsor where relevant.
- Provide
training and support to NIHR Research Inclusion staff involved in project
work.
- Membership
of project teams as required and providing support through preparing updates
to progress reports, setting agendas, and ensuring focus on the delivery of
project milestones
- To
develop, maintain and monitor plans for projects, tailoring the plans in
accordance with the complexity of the project.
- Monitor
project costs against budget (as appropriate) including budget planning and,
making recommendations to resolve various issues, e.g. budget cuts and/or
under-spends, updating sponsors and/or Research Inclusion Leadership team
regarding expenditure at regular intervals.
- Identify
and embed project risk management i.e. risk identification, analysis and
monitoring within all projects ensuring effective communication of risks and
priorities.
- Be
responsible for identifying and monitoring project issues and ensuring
appropriate ownership of activities are known, highlighting any concerns as
necessary.
- Be
responsible for arranging and facilitating project meetings, etc. including
the preparation and delivery of presentations and communication of actions
and information.
- Develop
and maintain a good knowledge of subjects relating to the project, including
an understanding of business benefits and technical issues, in order to be
able to communicate at all levels on the projects subject, including
communicating complex and often sensitive information to senior stakeholders.
- Be
responsible for the management of project-related administration support e.g.
minute taking for high level meetings with Research Inclusion Leadership,
where often complex and sensitive information will be discussed, regular
project teams meetings, compiling agendas, preparing papers, following up
action points and overseeing the project support and administration across
various projects and programmes.
- Mapping
of all key projects and stakeholders across the NIHR Research Inclusion
programme and maintaining effective working relationships with stakeholders
to ensure successful delivery of projects.
- Play
a key role in project planning including the development of annual business
plans.
- Development
and maintenance of policies and procedures in relation to project management
for all NIHR Research Inclusion projects.
- Working
with project leads and sponsors to monitor workload and co-ordination of
administrative input required for projects.
- Writing
proposals, reports and working papers as required.
- Engage
with a range of people at all levels of seniority both internal and external
to the NIHR.
- Organisation
of workshops and stakeholder meetings.
- Presenting
project progress to Research Inclusion Sub-Committee, which oftentimes will
involve the communication of sensitive or contentious information.
- Any
other duties of a similar nature that are delegated by the NIHR Research
Inclusion Leadership team.
Person Specification
Skills & behaviours
Essential
- Can work autonomously to achieve agreed objectives without reference to a manager
- Excellent problem solving skills including ability to analyse and interpret complex information and make decisions on the next course of action
- Self motivated and an ability to engage and motivate others including project teams
- Innovative
- Effective team player who is able to assume responsibility and leadership for individual projects and project teams
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to present work to a group and in report format
- Effective organisational and time management skills with an ability to deliver work to deadlines and to handle several projects simultaneously
- Attention to detail and high standards of accuracy
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and to tackle problems efficiently and professionally
- An interest and an enthusiastic approach to working in a dynamic and diverse national organisation
- Able to influence and engage senior stakeholders
- Effective inter-personal skills, able to liaise with senior managers and stakeholders, offering guidance and interpretation on complex and sensitive information
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Experience of managing projects in a structured environment ideally in accordance with Project Management (Prince 2) or other recognised project management methodology.
- Experience of managing several overlapping complex and multi year projects, of different scales and scope to often competing deadlines including culture change projects.
- Experience of delivering projects within a research or public sector setting
- Can act as the lead specialist in both the project management and change management arena.
- Experience of delivering small/medium projects with limited supervision
- Proven track record in servicing groups and committees, including organising meetings, drafting text, producing minutes and following up action points.
- Experience of facilitating workshops including training workshops
- Experience of communicating complex and sensitive information to senior stakeholders and sponsors
- Experience of writing policies and procedures with respect to project and programme management
- Use of various Project Management software tools including MS Project and/or Google suite
- Highly developed project management skills and techniques including use of specialist software and tools
- Highly numerate with strong analytical skills and experience of preparing management reports
- Ability to facilitate workshops and discussion groups
Desirable
- Experience of projects that span multiple organisations
- Experience of general public sector / NHS administrative procedures
- Experience of managing 3rd party supplier relationships and knowledge of purchasing processes
- Experience of working in Research Inclusion or Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
- Change Management
- Experience and/or knowledge of health and care research and/or funding of said research
Additional Requirements
Essential
- Ability to use Google and Microsoft suites
- Excellent key board skills and an ability to manipulate complex data at speed
- Occasional travel within the UK
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualifications - Essential CriteriaPrince 2 foundation qualification or other recognised project management qualification.
- Post-graduate degree in relevant area e.g. project management, life sciences or equivalent experience.
- Evidence of continued professional development
Desirable
- Prince 2 Practitioner qualification.
Person Specification
Skills & behaviours
Essential
- Can work autonomously to achieve agreed objectives without reference to a manager
- Excellent problem solving skills including ability to analyse and interpret complex information and make decisions on the next course of action
- Self motivated and an ability to engage and motivate others including project teams
- Innovative
- Effective team player who is able to assume responsibility and leadership for individual projects and project teams
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to present work to a group and in report format
- Effective organisational and time management skills with an ability to deliver work to deadlines and to handle several projects simultaneously
- Attention to detail and high standards of accuracy
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and to tackle problems efficiently and professionally
- An interest and an enthusiastic approach to working in a dynamic and diverse national organisation
- Able to influence and engage senior stakeholders
- Effective inter-personal skills, able to liaise with senior managers and stakeholders, offering guidance and interpretation on complex and sensitive information
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Experience of managing projects in a structured environment ideally in accordance with Project Management (Prince 2) or other recognised project management methodology.
- Experience of managing several overlapping complex and multi year projects, of different scales and scope to often competing deadlines including culture change projects.
- Experience of delivering projects within a research or public sector setting
- Can act as the lead specialist in both the project management and change management arena.
- Experience of delivering small/medium projects with limited supervision
- Proven track record in servicing groups and committees, including organising meetings, drafting text, producing minutes and following up action points.
- Experience of facilitating workshops including training workshops
- Experience of communicating complex and sensitive information to senior stakeholders and sponsors
- Experience of writing policies and procedures with respect to project and programme management
- Use of various Project Management software tools including MS Project and/or Google suite
- Highly developed project management skills and techniques including use of specialist software and tools
- Highly numerate with strong analytical skills and experience of preparing management reports
- Ability to facilitate workshops and discussion groups
Desirable
- Experience of projects that span multiple organisations
- Experience of general public sector / NHS administrative procedures
- Experience of managing 3rd party supplier relationships and knowledge of purchasing processes
- Experience of working in Research Inclusion or Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
- Change Management
- Experience and/or knowledge of health and care research and/or funding of said research
Additional Requirements
Essential
- Ability to use Google and Microsoft suites
- Excellent key board skills and an ability to manipulate complex data at speed
- Occasional travel within the UK
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualifications - Essential CriteriaPrince 2 foundation qualification or other recognised project management qualification.
- Post-graduate degree in relevant area e.g. project management, life sciences or equivalent experience.
- Evidence of continued professional development
Desirable
- Prince 2 Practitioner qualification.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
