University of Oxford

Programme Manager (Research)

Are you ready to shape the future of world-class research? Join the University of Oxford—a globally renowned centre of excellence and innovation. Our research tackles some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from reducing carbon emissions to developing life-saving vaccines. As we transform the digital services that power this work, we’re looking for a skilled and energetic Programme Manager to join us on a permanent basis and help drive this change.

At Oxford, you’ll be part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary community where your work contributes to real-world solutions and lasting global impact. If you're passionate about enabling research that changes lives, we want to hear from you.

The University of Oxford is a world leader in research, engagement and innovation. Our research portfolio covers an exceptionally broad range of disciplines and has a strong interdisciplinary character. We are currently the most successful UK university in securing funding for research. This role will be initially focussed on our ambitious Oxford Research Management System programme which aims to significantly improve the user experience and efficiency of the research management lifecycle from proposal development to project closure, reimagining ways of working and adopting technologies to support us. The programme will implement an integrated digital research management platform, and our focus is to ensure services, processes, culture and behaviours enable and embed the transformation. The successful candidate will lead teams to deliver transformational change across research. Experience of ambitious change in large, complex organisations is highly desirable.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous maternity and adoption leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay leave, followed by additional statutory and unpaid leave options.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

As a Programme Manager, you will play a crucial role in leading and managing the implementation of key projects and programmes within the Research Portfolio; responsibilities include ensuring consistency and coherence across related projects, leading and supporting the teams, and coordinating activities across projects and programmes. The post-holder will ensure efficient governance processes and seek opportunities to collaborate across projects, building strong connections with key stakeholders within research communities and beyond.

In this highly varied role, you’ll be responsible for developing and maintaining plans, defining management strategies, engaging across the University and working closely with all relevant teams contributing to the delivery of the projects and programmes. Ensuring the success of the University’s cultural, technology and process changes will require you to bring together a combination of strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

This role offers the chance to make a meaningful difference to how the University adapts to new ways of working and integrates new technology. If you are passionate about delivering impactful change and thrive in a collaborative, dynamic environment, we’d love to hear from you.

About You

We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager with the following:

• Proven experience in managing complex projects and programmes, with the ability to navigate competing priorities and provide strategic advice to senior stakeholders on progress, risks and opportunities to inform decision-making.
• Strong financial and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships at all levels.
• Experience in leading teams, managing staff, and motivating others to deliver high-quality outputs.
• Strong risk management and planning skills, with the ability to bring order to complex situations, and maintain focus on key objectives.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications will be 17 July 2025