Programme Support Officer

UK Research and Innovation; East Hagbourne; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in the UK seeks a Programme Support Officer to assist with programme management in quantum technologies. The role involves supporting governance structures, managing risks and project objectives, and enhancing communication among teams. Candidates should have strong communication skills, attention to detail, and relevant experience in programme management. Flexible working arrangements are available, with the position based in Oxfordshire.

Benefits

Flexible working options

30 days annual leave

Career Average Revalued Earnings pension scheme

Qualifications

• Ability to capture concise meeting minutes.
• Experience with managing risks and resolving issues.
• Ability to create visually impactful reports and spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

• Support NQCC governance structure and prepare meetings.
• Monitor and ensure progress on NQCC's objectives.
• Assist in managing the NQCC's programme-level risks.

Skills

Excellent written communication skills

Strong verbal communication skills

Strong attention to detail

Proactive attitude to problem solving

Excellent time management skills

Ability to work as a team member and independently

Experience handling confidential information

Computer literacy with Microsoft Office

Commitment to NQCC's mission

Education

Substantial experience relating to programme/project management

Tools

Power BI

SharePoint

Job description

We are looking for a Programme Support Officer who can assist the NQCC's Programme Manager in all aspects of programme management. You will also be working closely with other members of the Programme Delivery team, and more widely with scientists, engineers, developers and experts in quantum technologies, to enhance the UK's quantum computing capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Supporting different aspects of the NQCC's governance structure, such as NQCC's Strategic Advisory Committee, Technical Advisory Group, and other groups as requested. This is achieved through:
  • Assuring the smooth preparation of meetings (e.g. polling for dates, organising venues and travel, drafting agendas, collating and distributing papers, creating slide decks etc).
  • Assisting during the meeting by taking minutes.
  • Monitoring the action log post‑meeting.
  • Building relationships with these internal and external stakeholders.
• Supporting the Programme Manager and relevant colleagues in managing the NQCC's programme‑level risks and issues. Ensuring that the required information and updates are collected, organising data for analysis, and flagging any issues or delays. Helping the Programme Manager prepare reports on risks and issues for various governance boards.
• Supporting the monitoring of progress on NQCC's objectives. Ensuring that regular updates are collected across all teams, and escalating when Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and milestones are delayed or not being met. Improving how this is visualised in reports on progress for a variety of stakeholders.
• Helping ensure compliance to relevant wider STFC and UKRI programme management processes, including the professional preparation of internal and external programme documentation.
• Administering and improving the Knowledge Information Management (KIM) function for the Programme Delivery team and for projects managed by the Programme Delivery team (e.g. via tools such as SharePoint).
• Providing support to other members of the Programme Delivery team, such as assisting with Projects Board meetings and minutes, project monthly reports, collecting benefits data, assisting with training and workshops, and contributing to Programme Delivery team meetings, etc.
• Location: RAL Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK (Flexible working available, with at least 3 days a week on‑site). Substantial experience, qualifications or training relating to programme/project/portfolio management, or other relevant topics such as risk management. (S/I)

Qualifications

• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to draw out and concisely explain key information, particularly in meeting minutes. (S/I)
• Strong verbal communication skills, the ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders, and the ability to influence and motivate people from a wide range of backgrounds and fields towards achievement of agreed deliverables. (S/I)
• Strong attention to detail and substantial experience of interpreting and manipulating large amounts of information into easy‑to‑understand reports and spreadsheets, with a clear visual impact. Experience with tools such as Power BI. (S/I)
• Demonstrated proactive attitude to problem solving, managing risks and resolving issues that arise, showing high levels of personal drive, determination and resilience. (S/I)
• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage various activities at once, prioritising key tasks. (S/I)
• Ability to work both as a team member, and independently. (S/I)
• Experience handling confidential information securely and appropriately. (S/I)
• Computer literate with advanced capabilities in Microsoft Office (particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and the ability to use document management systems such as SharePoint. (S)
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to the NQCC's mission, vision and values and a desire to contribute to these goals. (S/I)

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is the UK's national laboratory dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of quantum computing. Headquartered at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, the NQCC works across government, industry and academia to address the engineering challenges of scaling quantum computers and to build a quantum‑ready economy. Its mission is to enable the UK to solve complex societal and industrial challenges by harnessing the transformative potential of quantum computing. The NQCC is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). It sits alongside other departments within the STFC National Laboratories and is part of the wider National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP). UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world‑leading position in research and innovation. Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world‑class research, skills and business‑led innovation. UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re‑run security clearance as required during the course of employment. The Science and Technology Facilities Council is a world‑leading multi‑disciplinary science organisation where curiosity‑driven, blue‑skies thinking meets practical, application‑led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people - and more broadly to the world. One of Europe's largest research organisations, we're trusted to support, enable and undertake cutting‑edge projects in an amazing diversity of fields. Through world‑class facilities and people, we're driving ground‑breaking advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale.

Hours and Benefits

Hours: Full Time or Part Time (Minimum 0.8 FTE). We understand the importance of work‑life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it's sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society. Come and discover how much you can achieve when you're surrounded by world‑leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn, and empowered to explore your curiosity. We recognise and value employees as individuals and aim to provide a pay and rewards package that motivates staff to perform to the best of their ability. The reward package includes a flexible working scheme, a Career Average Revalued Earnings pension scheme, 30 days annual leave allowance and a number of other benefits.