Programme Manager – SME Group (111278-0226)

About The Role

Informal Queries For informal queries, please contact Paul Milne, SME Group Deputy Director at p.milne@warwick.ac.uk

Flexible Working We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

Are you ready for a new challenge and to help transform UK manufacturing? Can you help to lead our highly talented multidisciplinary team of engineers and business experts to help small manufacturers make big changes?

WMG has an opportunity for an experienced Programme Manager, to lead a portfolio of projects within WMG’s SME Group that support UK manufacturing SMEs to adopt technology, new thinking and innovation to boost their future competitiveness and make more in the UK. The delivery of a missionbased strategy consists of multiple projects, ranging from contracts with individual SMEs, to regional, and national, government funded programmes.

The successful candidate will have proven project management abilities as well as management experience both in industrial and research (University) environments. You will need to have excellent people management and communication skills, as well as the proven ability to manage customer relationships, as well as oversee efficient and compliant operational practices to deliver successful projects and outcomes.

You will be supported by and expected to lead, a dedicated team of project management professionals within the groups’ Project Management Office (PMO) to manage projects and operational activities (including recruitment) within the SME Group.

About You

The successful candidate will have proven project management abilities as well as management experience both in industrial and research (University) environments. You will need to have excellent people management and communication skills, as well as the proven ability to manage customer relationships, as well as oversee efficient and compliant operational practices to deliver successful projects and outcomes.

You will be supported by and expected to lead, a dedicated team of project management professionals within the groups’ Project Management Office (PMO) to manage projects and operational activities (including recruitment) within the SME Group.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

About The Department

WMG has an opportunity for an experienced Programme Manager, to lead a portfolio of projects within WMG’s SME Group that support UK manufacturing SMEs to adopt technology, new thinking and innovation to boost their future competitiveness and make more in the UK. The delivery of a missionbased strategy consists of multiple projects, ranging from contracts with individual SMEs, to regional,and national, government funded programmes.

The position is funded through WMG’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre initially to March 2028 with an extension beyond this period possible but dependant on the Government’s on-going commitment and the level of funding available to the Catapult centre subsequently.

The Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) is the largest department at the University of Warwick, with over 800 staff and nearly 3,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in management, technology, and applied engineering. We are globally recognised for our world-class research, innovative industry partnerships, and teaching excellence, and we are proud holders of the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the Institutional Silver Award.

Find out more about the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre.

Find out more about the Energy Innovation Centre.

Find out more about our range of undergraduate and apprenticeship degrees here.

About The University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106 th in the world and 8th in the UK. * Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent .** Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025 Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Wednesday 25th February 2025 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV Should Include

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your Cover Letter Should Explain

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview. For guidance on writing a cover letter, see here.

Interview Date: Mid March 2026

Start Date: As soon as possible

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

What we Offer

We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements.

For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.

Find out more about our awards and accreditations.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with. Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice. The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults). All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction. Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description JD - Programme Manager (111278).pdf – 153KB Opens in a new window

Right to Work in the UK

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.