Programme Manager - SOC ACE Research Programme

Location: Birmingham, Edgbaston Campus – Hybrid working available

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression once in post to £63,606

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract – 01 August 2026 – 30 September 2027

Summary of the role

SOC ACE (Serious Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Evidence) is a multi-year research programme led by the University of Birmingham and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Running from June 2021 to September 2027, it supports public-good research on serious organised crime, illicit finance, corruption and transnational threats. The programme focuses on producing policy-relevant insights, engaging closely with policymakers and practitioners, and achieving real-world impact. As it enters its final phase, SOC ACE is concentrating on synthesising findings, strengthening impact, and ensuring effective programme closure.

The Programme Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operational management and delivery of the SOC ACE research programme in line with the Director’s strategic direction and in compliance with funder requirements and UOB policies and procedures. The postholder is responsible for budget management and overseeing financial and operational administration, maintaining programme controls, effective information management, funder reporting, line management of the programme team, and smooth internal communications to ensure information reaches the correct places at the right time to maintain delivery momentum. Given the programme is in its final year, the postholder will be responsible for operational closure of the programme in line with UOB and FCDO requirements.

Person Specification

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Experience in programme management of research programmes.
• Proven ability to manage and interpret complex, dynamic budgets.
• Proven financial acumen and analytical skills to support decision-making.
• Ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders, including managing upwards
• Ability to build strong, collaborative working relationships across a range of communication styles and working preferences.
• Proven understanding of operational and financial compliance requirements.
• Ability to plan and organise a large workload to meet both internal and external deadlines.
• Excellent English writing

Essential Competencies

• Risk awareness and sound professional judgment
• Able to interpret and synthesise information towards sound decision making
• Excellent organisational skills and time management
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent ability to work proactively with little supervision

Informal enquiries can be made to Lyndsey Hand, [email protected]  

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working