Public Partnerships Support Manager

Precision Roof Crafters, Inc.; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable research organization in Swindon is seeking a Public Partnerships Support Manager to aid in implementing the Public Partnerships Strategy. This role involves planning, stakeholder coordination, and providing secretariat support for public advisory groups and community networks. Ideal candidates should have experience in project management, strong interpersonal skills, and familiarity with Microsoft Office and online meeting tools. The position offers a hybrid work model, competitive benefits including a defined benefit pension scheme, and 30 days of annual leave.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension scheme

30 days annual leave

Employee discounts

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Understanding of public partnerships in the UK research landscape.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to juggle priorities effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning and setup of an advisory group for public partnerships.
• Manage events and secretariat support for a community of practice.
• Contribute to the development of an evaluation framework.

Skills

Project management experience

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to communicate clearly

Organizational skills

Administrative skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Teams

Zoom

Job description

Salary: £37,841 Per Annum

Band: UKRI Band D

Hours: Full time (part-time at 0.8 FTE also considered)

Contract Type: Fixed term for two years (24 months)

Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire - hybrid working available.

Closing Date: Monday 5th January 2026

Interview Date: Tuesday 20th January 2026

We are seeking a Public Partnerships Support Manager to support a programme of activities related to the implementation of the MRC Public Partnerships Strategy. The Strategy outlines MRCs ambition and actions for effective collaboration and genuine partnerships between researchers, MRC staff, public involvement and engagement professionals, individuals and communities.

By public partnerships we mean all the different ways that people and the research community can come together to shape and share scientific research. Public partnerships cover the whole spectrum of public engagement, which includes involvement and community engagement.

Public partners encompass a diverse range of communities and people of all ages and backgrounds, who bring different life experiences, knowledge and perspectives. This includes members of the public, patients and voluntary and community groups, both in the UK and internationally.

You will help to deliver the key objectives of the strategy and will have the opportunity to help shape the future of public partnerships at MRC.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the planning and set up of an MRC public advisory group to guide ways of working and ensure effective public partnerships throughout the MRC research community. Responsibilities will include recruitment, onboarding, meeting support and managing events.
• Supporting the planning and set up of an MRC community of practice network for public partnerships in non-clinical research. Responsibilities will include secretariat support for the network and managing events or meetings.
• Supporting the development and ongoing implementation of an evaluation framework for the Public Partnerships Strategy.
• Providing secretariat support to the MRC Public Partnerships Oversight Group which is responsible for strategic planning, oversight and governance of MRCs public partnerships activities.
• Responsibility for updating and maintaining project management tool (training provided).
• Processing invoices and payments related to the Public Partnerships team budget on the online finance system (training provided).
• Some ad hoc public partnerships project support, subject to programme priorities.

You will work closely with members of the MRC Public Partnerships team, and other colleagues within the MRC Strategy and Partnerships team and wider MRC. The role requires strong collaboration with, and coordination of, external stakeholders including public partners, public involvement and engagement professionals and other research funders.

Personal Specification

Understanding of public partnerships (or public involvement and engagement), in the context of the UK research landscape.

• Experience of working directly with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Project management experience.
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing, across a range of issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with diverse groups.
• Highly organised, with good time management skills and a collaborative approach, able to juggle priorities.
• Strong administrative skills and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and online meeting platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
• Experience of setting up and managing meetings and events of various sizes online and face-to-face.

Benefits

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.
• Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance.

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

As an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer, UKRI is proud to have created a workplace where everyone can thrive and achieve their full potential. This ensures that all employees, regardless of their background or circumstances, have equal access to opportunities and resources within the organization.

How To Apply

For full details, please visit our careers site. Please submit an application including your CV and a Cover Letter that showcases how your skills and experience align to the requirements of the role.

A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.