Programme Centre Manager (Research & Development)

Tata Steel UK; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Car or Car Allowance

35 days holidays

Annual Pay Review

Bonus Scheme

Private Healthcare

Pension scheme

Free onsite parking

Employee discount

Job summary

Tata Steel UK is seeking a Programme Centre Manager (R&D) at the Warwick Technology Centre. You will lead a portfolio of innovative projects, align them with strategic objectives and ensure delivery, governance and funding across the centre.

Reporting to the Director R&D, you will manage cross-functional teams, drive operational excellence, secure external funding, and create the environment for groundbreaking research to thrive, while delivering value for the organisation.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Engineering or Sciences.
• Strong understanding of Six Sigma and improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in ISO systems and audit procedures.
• Robust program and project management skills.
• Demonstrable leadership capabilities.
• Excellent team-working and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and define the overall R&D programme strategy aligned to objectives and trends.
• Oversee lifecycle of multiple R&D projects from ideation to hand-off or commercialization.
• Manage centre operations, budgets, and resources with governance practices.
• Seek external funding and manage funding proposals and reporting.
• Lead cross-functional teams and foster collaboration with engineering, marketing and manufacturing.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Six Sigma

ISO systems

Technical depth

Education

Master's degree or higher in Engineering or Sciences

Job description

Job Title: Programme Centre Manager (R&D)

Department: Tata Steel Research and Innovation LTD

Location: Warwick Technology Centre

Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 plus company car

Closing Date: Thursday 20th August 2026

*Please note that this role is being advertised on behalf of Tata Steel Research and Innovation LTD (TSRIL) and therefore any successful candidates will be employed by Tata Steel Research and Innovation LTD*

We believe that our strength is not just in our steel but the diversity of our workforce. Our people make the difference.

Are you a motivated leader with a passion for building high-performing teams and delivering innovation at scale? We are looking for someone who can balance strategic thinking with operational excellence, creating the environment, partnerships and processes that enable groundbreaking research and development to thrive. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on both our technology roadmap and the future success of the Warwick Technology Centre.

Reporting the Director R&D, the Programme Centre Manager is a pivotal role responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and successful delivery of a portfolio of research and development projects. This individual also takes on the critical responsibility of managing the R&D centre's operations, infrastructure, and resources, including securing and overseeing its funding. They drive innovation, manage cross-functional teams, and ensure that R&D initiatives align with the company's strategic objectives and market needs. Operating at the intersection of technology, business strategy, project management, and operational leadership, this role plays a critical part in bringing new products, processes, or technologies from conception to successful implementation while ensuring the centre's sustained operational and financial viability.

What you will do

The Programme Centre Manager has direct accountability for programme delivery and operational excellence, provision of strategic advice on research services, support for external funding applications, and specialist knowledge in governance and operational methodologies.

Strategic Planning & Alignment

• Develop and define the overall R&D programme strategy in alignment with corporate objectives, market trends, and technological advancements.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritise potential R&D projects, ensuring a balanced portfolio that addresses both short-term and long-term goals.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable R&D roadmaps and project plans.

Programme & Project Management

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of multiple R&D projects from ideation, feasibility study, development, testing, to hand-off or commercialisation.
• Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and resource requirements (budget, personnel, equipment).
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets, and track progress against these benchmarks.
• Implement robust project management methodologies appropriate for R&D contexts.
• Manage programme-level risks and issues, developing mitigation strategies and ensuring timely resolution.

Centre Management & Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the R&D centre, ensuring a safe, efficient, and productive working environment.
• Manage the centre's physical infrastructure, equipment, and facilities, coordinating with relevant departments (e.g., IT, Maintenance) for optimal functionality.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and compliance within the R&D centre.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards pertinent to R&D activities and facility operation.

Funding & Financial Stewardship

• Own the R&D centre's annual operating budget, including forecasting, allocation, and expenditure control.
• Actively seek out and secure external funding opportunities (e.g., grants, collaborations, government programmes) to support R&D initiatives.
• Manage funding proposals, negotiations, and reporting requirements for both internal and external funding sources.
• Monitor programme and centre budgets, ensuring adherence to financial guidelines and optimising spend for maximum research impact.
• Prepare and present regular reports on programme status, financial performance, and resource utilisation to senior leadership.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and motivate cross-functional R&D teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between R&D, engineering, marketing, manufacturing, and other relevant departments.
• Manage external partnerships, vendors, and academic collaborations relevant to the R&D programme and centre operations.

Innovation & Technology Stewardship

• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, scientific advancements, and competitive landscapes.
• Champion best practices in R&D, including experimental design, data analysis, intellectual property management, and regulatory compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement in R&D processes and methodologies.

What you will need

As the Programme Centre Manager it is desirable that you hold a Master's degree or higher in Engineering or Sciences.

• A strong understanding and application of 6 Sigma and other improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in ISO systems and audit procedures.
• Robust program and project management skills.
• Demonstrable Technical Depth
• Proven leadership capabilities.
• Excellent team-working skills.
• Clear and effective communication (both verbal and written).
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• A high degree of perseverance.

Ready to make a difference?

Please note: You may use AI tools to help prepare your application. However, all information must be accurate and based on your own experience. We value genuine, honest responses that reflect who you are.

What we can offer you

Tata Steel UK offers their employees significant benefits packages. For this role, you will benefit from:

• A market competitive salary
• Company Car or Car Allowance
• 35 days holidays per annum
• Annual Pay Review
• Bonus Scheme – subject to business performance
• Private Healthcare Scheme (Individual cover)
• One of the UK's leading defined contribution pension schemes (10% employer contribution / 6% employee contribution)

We also have an extensive list of lifestyle benefits including free onsite parking at all of our sites, an employee assistance programme as well as Employee discount scheme for companies including Vodafone, Jaguar Land Rover and also various local services.

Why us?

Tata Steel is one of the world's top 10 steel producers. The combined group has an annual aggregate crude steel capacity of more than 33 million tonnes with approximately 80,000 employees across four continents. We're part of the Tata Group, one of the largest, most diverse conglomerates in the world with businesses in the UK including Tata Steel, Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea.

Sustainabilityis at the very heart of what we do and we are dedicated to managing our operations responsibly and to continuouslyimprovingour performance. Innovating for tomorrow, making a positive impact today.