Senior Programme Manager, Innovation Programmes

TN United Kingdom; Twickenham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in health innovation seeks a key player for their Innovations team. The role involves managing projects that enhance the NIHR offer to industry and engaging with investors. Candidates should have a strong background in biomedical or engineering sciences, along with proven experience in managing diverse relationships and delivering high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Good understanding of health and social care innovation ecosystem.
• Experience in research management and technology transfer.
• Experience across health, social care, and life sciences sectors.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of projects led by SMEs, academia, and NHS Trusts.
• Drive the collection of outcomes and contribute to case studies.
• Participate in planning events, workshops, and webinars.

Skills

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Organisational skills

Education

MSc/PhD in biomedical, health, or engineering sciences

Job description

About the role

You will play a key role in the Innovations team and foster close collaboration with the Business Development team.

You will support the day-to-day delivery of new activities and funding calls aimed at expanding the NIHR offer to industry and its engagement with investors. You will manage a portfolio of projects led by SMEs, academia, and NHS Trusts that aim to make an impact in the NHS and the UK economy.

You are expected to develop close relationships with innovators and entrepreneurs, drive the collection of outcomes, contribute to case studies, and participate in planning events, workshops, and webinars.

You need to be comfortable working under tight deadlines and managing competing priorities while maintaining high-quality outputs.

Key responsibilities

• Programme operations and commissioning
• Due diligence, contracting, and portfolio management
• Staff management

What you will bring to the role

Qualifications

• Good understanding of the health and social care innovation ecosystem, including product development (therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, digital health technologies) and the translational research pathway.
• Educated to MSc/PhD level in biomedical, health, or engineering sciences.
• Experience in research management, technology transfer, health tech accelerators, start-ups, or organisations supporting innovation, with engagement at senior industry levels.
• Experience working across health, social care, and life sciences sectors, including industry, academia, and the NHS, with proven experience in commercially focused projects.
• Experience managing diverse internal and external relationships.
• Understanding of intellectual property and research commercialisation aspects.
• Committed team player with excellent presentation, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines, with attention to detail.

Applications
If interested, please apply with your CV and cover letter in the same document, explaining your suitability for the role and what you can bring to the company, quoting job REF706N.

How to apply

Apply directly via our vacancy page to learn more about this position with NIHR. This role is with NIHR Coordinating Centre (NIHRCC) and hosted by LGC.