AMS PSR

On behalf of UKRI, we are looking for a Programme Manager (Inside IR35) for a 6 month contract which is a hybrid role so requires 1 day a month in the Swindon office

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is the national funding agency investing in science and research in the UK.

The Funding Programme is central to UKRI’s ambition to create a simpler, better funding service—with harmonised, consistent processes and policies that make it easier to collaborate across UKRI and more accessible for our research and innovation communities.

We’re looking for a motivated and strategic Programme Manager to drive programme delivery, manage cross-functional teams, and ensure alignment with UKRI’s Future State vision. This role will suit someone who thrives in complex, multi-stakeholder environments and is passionate about delivering meaningful change.

As a Programme Manager, your main responsibilities will be:

• Programme Scoping & Discovery: Lead the identification and prioritisation of new initiatives with the Programme Lead and Steering Group, supported by a Business Analyst. Prepare documentation for OC Portfolio governance and prioritisation.
• Programme Delivery: Provide expert programme management to priority projects such as Investment Management, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Team Leadership: Manage a cross-functional team including Project Managers, Communications, HR, and subject matter experts to ensure effective resourcing and delivery.
• Governance & Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with the Senior Responsible Officer, Programme Lead, and governance boards to assess and initiate new projects.
• Closure & Lessons Learned: Lead programme closure activities, ensuring documentation is captured and lessons are shared across the OC Portfolio.
• Reporting & Assurance: Own programme reporting (e.g. Verto highlight reports, ExCo updates), and lead on assurance activities including risk, dependencies, and benefits management.

Essential Skills

• Proven track record of successfully managing multi-stakeholder programmes within the public sector or research environment (S&I)
• Extensive experience at Programme Manager level within the public sector ideally in central government
• Experienced in navigating complex governance structures, managing risk, and driving delivery against strategic objectives. (S&I)
• Able to work autonomously and collaboratively, with excellent judgement and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across government (S&I)
• Brings a proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and emerging opportunities.(S&I)
• Strong self starter with a proactive approach to all duties

Qualifications

• Managing Successful Programmes Practitioner, APM Project Management Qualification

Desirable Skills

• Change Management Practitioner experience and skillset would be highly beneficial

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, UKRI guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".