Research Programmes Manager

Alzheimer's Research UK; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

Alzheimer's Research UK is seeking a Research Programme Manager to lead two strategic initiatives, DDA and BDR, and to support other programmes. You will oversee project governance, reporting, and impact assessment while coordinating across the Research Directorate and external partners.

The role requires a strong background in programme management within healthcare or charity sectors, with staff leadership experience and a commitment to advancing dementia research.

Qualifications

• Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Experience and/or in-depth knowledge in early-stage drug discovery, ideally in dementia.
• Proven experience managing large programmes of work in healthcare, research or charity sectors.
• Strong project management skills with budgeting and risk oversight.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience defining programme requirements using data and metrics to drive improvements.
• Experience managing staff and delivering work through others.
• Commitment to ARUK’s vision, mission and values.
• Excellent time management and ability to multi-task.
• Willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of ARUK’s major initiatives: Drug Discovery Alliance and Brains for Dementia Research, and other initiatives as needed.
• Monitor progress, report outcomes and manage risks with appropriate governance.
• Prepare papers and briefings for meetings; support minutes and actions.
• Collaborate across the organisation to maximise impact and external partnerships.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of dementia research developments and opportunities.
• Support the Strategic Programmes leadership in external representation and relationships.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Data analysis

Communication

Team leadership

Problem solving

Education

Biomedical Science degree

Job description

Location Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AD (Agile; approximately 2 days a week from our office)

This is a Permanent , , Full Time vacancy.

The Vacancy

As the UK’s leading dementia research charity, we’re determined to stop this from becoming a reality. We’re working to revolutionise the way we treat, diagnose and prevent dementia. But we will not stop there. With your support, we will keep going until every person is free from the heartbreak of dementia. We exist for a cure.

We have established a number of high-profile strategic initiatives to help us advance our work towards a cure. We now have an exciting opportunity for a Research Programme Manager to support the successful ongoing delivery of two of our major initiatives, the Drug Discovery Alliance and Brains for Dementia Research, and collaborate across the organisation and externally to maximise their impact. Where required, the successful candidate will also support the ongoing delivery of our other major initiatives, working collaboratively across the organisation to maximise their impact both internally and externally.

This role sits within the Strategic Programmes team in the Research Directorate, an ambitious, supportive and friendly team that funds the best research to transform the lives of people affected by all forms of dementia. We’re looking for someone with strong programme management experience, a good eye for detail and who is excited by the opportunities in the dementia research landscape.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead the delivery of two of ARUK’s major initiatives, Drug Discovery Alliance (DDA) and Brains for Dementia Research (BDR), and other initiatives as required:

• Develop a deep understanding of the programmes, acting as a point of knowledge and expertise
• Implement robust and proportionate review processes to oversee delivery of objectives and manage risks
• Ensure finances are effectively reported on and managed, working with the Research Funding and Finance teams
• Lead the preparation of papers and briefings for meetings, and support the Research Officer to ensure minutes and actions are captured and followed up on

Monitor and disseminate the impact of the DDA and BDR, to effectively tell the story of the initiatives and identify gaps:

• Monitor key programme progress, scientific developments and major outputs
• Work with the Impact team to ensure data gathered from the programme meets the needs of the wider organisation in terms of communicating progress and impact
• Work with the Public Involvement team to ensure the initiatives are reflective of the needs of people with lived experience
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the initiatives to identify opportunities to maximise their impact and value.
• Collaborate with the Head of Strategic Programmes and colleagues across the Research Directorate and wider ARUK to identify opportunities to strengthen programme objectives, provide updates on progress, and promote achievements.
• Act as a key point of contact and subject matter expert for the initiatives, both internally and externally.

Support development of the strategic programme team’s strategy:

• Contribute to internal meetings, including discussions and content on strategic programmes and new initiatives
• Maintain up to date knowledge of developments in the dementia research field
• Attend meetings and events to build relationships and promote our strategic programmes
• Support the Research Leadership team to enhance ARUK’s external profile through active participation in meetings and collaborations with key stakeholders

Line Management Responsibilities:

• Line management of a Research Officer, effectively delegating work to support delivery of their objectives
• Help to promote an inspiring team culture where personal development is prioritised

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Degree in Biomedical Science, or equivalent relevant knowledge and experience.
• Experience and/or in depth knowledge in early-stage drug discovery, ideally in dementia
• Proven experience managing large programmes of work, preferably in the healthcare, research or charity sector
• Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple priorities, overseeing budgets and identifying risks
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including external partners and suppliers
• Experience defining programme requirements and using data and metrics to determine improvements
• Experience of managing staff and/or leading the delivery of work through others.
• Commitment to ARUK’s vision, mission and values
• Good analytical skills demonstrated by a structured and methodical approach
• Excellent eye for detail with a focus on continuous improvement
• Strong communication skills both oral and written with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task, prioritise competing demands
• Demonstrated stakeholder management (internal & external), and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise tasks, work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to use own initiative, with a proactive and problem-solving attitude
• Willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel

The closing date for applications is the 20th September 2026.

The Charity

Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trialsthat slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

It is important to offer a range of benefits which are designed to meet both the organisational and individual needs, are market competitive and designed to attract and retain employees.

For more details on working for Alzheimer's Research UK click here.

Alzheimer's Research UK is a registered charity, numbers 1077089 and SC042474.
3 Riverside, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6AD