Agile working (blend of home and office based)

The Opportunity

This post represents an exciting opportunity to lead a team of staff in Keele University's NIHR School for Primary Care Research Directorate. The Directorate is responsible for running an NIHR funded National Research Programme across 9 academic partners.

The Senior Programme Manager will manage finance, operations, evaluation, communications and stakeholder engagement, providing expert guidance to support national primary care research priorities.

Working closely with senior leadership, the successful candidate will develop and implement operational plans, oversee funding allocation, governance and performance monitoring, and drive continuous improvement. They will also lead the communications strategy, contribute to research evaluation, and produce high-quality impact case studies.

The role requires strong partnership-building skills, including representing the SPCR with external stakeholders including NIHR and DHSC.

With line management responsibility for programme staff, the post holder will foster an inclusive and high-performing team while ensuring compliance with governance frameworks and effective resource management.

The post holder will bring substantial experience in research management within complex environments, alongside a strong track record of financial oversight, including budget planning, monitoring and reporting.

Demonstrable knowledge of higher education systems and processes is essential, including research governance, funding mechanisms and compliance requirements.

The role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, analyse performance data, and support high-quality programme delivery within a collaborative, stakeholder-focused setting

The Benefits

The University recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff.

In return, we have a competitive benefits package available, including:

• Competitive rate of pay with annual increments within the grade (Keele Spine)
• Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave
• Excellent staff pension scheme
• Access to continued personal, professional and career development
• On site 'outstanding' nursery Discounted health & fitness facilities on site
• Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)

Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above.

The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible.

The University

Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience.

With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 15,000 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research. Further information can be found at https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/

Keele University values equity and diversity across our workforce and to ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.

How to Apply

For full post details and to find out more about working at Keele please visit: www.keele.ac.uk/vacancies

Keele University employees wishing to apply should login to Employee Self Service and click on the 'View current vacancies' link.

For informal enquiries may be addressed to Jess Nye [email protected] Applications to this address will not be accepted.

Interviews will be held on: 7 August 2026