Deputy Research and Development Programme Manager

Government Recruitment Service; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK government agency is seeking a Deputy R&D Manager to support the management of research and development programmes focused on public safety and evidence capture. This role involves managing supplier relationships, developing programme documentation, and engaging with stakeholders across various departments. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills, technical literacy, and the ability to coordinate effectively to achieve impactful outcomes. Full-time hours are available with options for part-time work and travel across the UK.

Benefits

Compressed hours working option

Support for part-time employment

Qualifications

• Experience in managing supplier relationships to deliver technical output.
• Ability to develop and refine programme documentation effectively.
• Strong communication skills to engage stakeholders across departments.

Responsibilities

• Support R&D Manager in supplier management and delivery tracking.
• Assist in documentation development like delivery plans.
• Engage stakeholders to gather insights and foster collaboration.

Skills

Project management skills

Technical literacy

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Relevant degree or experience in research management

Tools

Programme management tools

Job description

The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counter‑terrorism, policing, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports.

The Science, Technology, Research and Analysis (STAR) Group sits at the heart of the Home Office. The group ensures the best evidence and analysis are used to address the strategic issues facing the department. We also provide the science, technology, data, and international insights and collaboration capabilities to drive delivery.

The Science, Innovation and Technology (SIT) Delivery Team sits within Home Office Science and is responsible for the delivery of a multi‑million pound Research and Development (R&D) Portfolio focussed on the Home Office's public safety and migration and borders missions. We work across our policy and operational customers and stakeholders to understand current and future requirements and identify how R&D may support addressing these by developing and delivering new solutions and responding to evolving threats.

The R&D Portfolio is transitioning to a more strategic, long‑term programmatic approach which will be embedded over the next year to support the newly published HO Research, Development and Innovation strategy. Home Office Research, Development and Innovation strategy: 2025 to 2030 (accessible) – GOV.UK The new portfolio will have five programmes:

• Public safety
• Enhancing evidence capture
• Detecting people, contraband and threats
• Operating in future environments
• Artificial intelligence

Research & Development (R&D) Managers have been appointed to lead in design, oversight and delivery of these programmes. This advert is to recruit two deputy R&D managers to support the R&D managers on the public safety and enhancing evidence capture. Whilst each role will be assigned to a programme there will be opportunities to work across programmes. This role will support the R&D managers in programme planning and delivery.

The Deputy R&D Manager will support the delivery of one or more science innovation and technology (SIT) programmes, working closely with the R&D Manager to ensure effective management and coordination of projects, stakeholder engagement, and high‑quality outcomes. This role is pivotal in maintaining programme momentum, supporting technical oversight, and enabling collaboration across government and external partners.

The post holder will utilise project management skills, combining planning skills with technical literacy, to track deliverables, maintain dashboards, identify collaboration opportunities and help ensure impactful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Support the R&D Manager in managing supplier relationships, ensuring robust technical output and delivery against agreed outcomes.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of programme documentation, including Terms of Reference, delivery plans, and reporting materials.
• Support the identification of new suppliers, contributing to a strong and diverse supplier base and a variety of contracting mechanisms.
• Assist in the identification and development of new technologies and research areas aligned with programme objectives and customer needs.
• Support other members of the team with the engagement of stakeholders across departments, operational teams, and external partners to gather insights and foster collaboration.
• Work with the SIT Delivery Portfolio Office to ensure programme management best practices are followed, including budget tracking and prioritisation.
• Support communication and engagement activities to demonstrate programme impact and value.
• Deputise for the R&D Manager as required, representing the programme in internal and external forums.

Working Pattern

• This role is available on a full-time basis with the option of compressed hours working. This role is also suitable for part-time working hours, with a minimum requirement to work 4 days 0.8fte hours per week due to business requirements.

Travel

• Regular UK travel is required (including some with overnight stays) along with occasional overseas travel.
• A driving licence is recommended.