Research Programmes Manager

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity dedicated to diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure. Backed by our passionate scientists and supporters, we’re challenging the way people think about dementia, bringing together the people and organisations who can speed up progress, and investing in research to make life-changing breakthroughs possible.

We have established a number of high-profile strategic initiatives to help us advance our work towards a cure. We now have an exciting opportunity for a Research Programmes Manager to support the successful ongoing delivery of some of these major initiatives and collaborate across the organisation and externally to maximise their impact. 

This role sits within the Strategic Programmes team in the Research Directorate, an ambitious, supportive and friendly team that funds the best research to transform the lives of people affected by all forms of dementia.  We’re looking for someone with strong programme management experience, a good eye for detail and who is excited by the opportunities in the dementia research landscape.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

Lead the delivery of two of ARUK’s major initiatives, Drug Discovery Alliance (DDA) and Brains for Dementia Research (BDR), and other initiatives as required:

· Implement robust and proportionate review processes to oversee delivery of objectives and manage risks, including delivery of Quinquennial Reviews for both initiatives

· Ensure finances are effectively reported on and managed, working with the Research Funding and Finance teams

· Lead the preparation of papers and briefings for meetings, and support the Research Officer to ensure minutes and actions are captured and followed up on

Monitor and disseminate the impact of the DDA and BDR, to effectively tell the story of the initiatives and identify gaps:

· Work with the Impact Officer to ensure data gathered from the programme meets the needs of the wider organisation in terms of communicating progress and impact

· Collaborate with teams across ARUK to provide reporting updates and promote successes

· Build strong relationships with people working within the initiatives, working with the Senior Research Manager and Partnerships Manager to identify further opportunities to maximise their value

· Work with the Public Involvement team to ensure the initiatives are reflective of the needs of people with lived experience

Support development of the strategic programme team’s strategy:

· Maintain up to date knowledge of developments in the dementia research field

· Contribute to internal meetings, including discussions and content on strategic programmes and new initiatives

Line Management Responsibilities:

· Line management of a Research Officer, effectively delegating work to support delivery of their objectives

· Help to promote an inspiring team culture where personal development is prioritised

What we are looking for:

· A degree in relevant biomedical science or equivalent experience

· Proven experience managing large programmes of work, preferably in the healthcare, research or charity sector

· Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple priorities, overseeing budgets and identifying risks

· A team player who can collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders internally and externally to deliver

· Strong communication skills with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences

· Commitment to ARUK’s vision, mission and values

· Excellent eye for detail with a focus on continuous improvement

· Willingness to embrace and drive change to maximise impact

· Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise competing demands

· Ability to work independently

· Willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £43,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 1st September 2024, with interviews likely to be held week commencing the 16th September 2024. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity as the closing date may be brought forward at any time. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, your CV will be anonymised. Please however note we are unable to anonymise the application question which you are required to complete. When answering this question please remove any personal information, including your name. All questions answered as part of your application are also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. The hiring panel will only be made aware of your name and address once you are invited for an interview. Should you need any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, then please contact us via our website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK:

Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

In 2022, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement and were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:

• 48th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.

• 19th in the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.

• 3rd in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.

In addition, we were also shortlisted for a special award recognising the work undertaken on reducing our environmental impact.

In 2021, we were awarded the HR Management award by The Charity Times for our Wellbeing initiatives throughout the pandemic.

In 2020, we demonstrated our commitment to changing the way we think and act about mental health in the workplace and signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge. 

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK