The University of Manchester
Project Officer
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The Henry Royce Institute
The Henry Royce Institute (Royce), an EPSRC-funded national institute, supports advanced materials research and innovation. With its Hub at The University of Manchester, the Institute has spokes at ten Partner and Associate organisations: the Universities of Sheffield, Leeds, Liverpool, Cambridge, Oxford, Cranfield, Strathclyde and Imperial College London, as well as at the UK Atomic Energy Authority and National Nuclear Laboratory. Royce, driven by a vision of ‘advanced materials for a sustainable society’, supports the UK in growing its world-leading research and innovation in advanced materials.
We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team for a fixed-term cover role as Project Officer.
This role will lead and support operational improvement projects that enhance the day-to-day running of the Royce Hub Building and wider Institute, working with colleagues and partners to improve processes, service delivery and the experience of staff, students and visitors.
The role may also suit candidates seeking a Grade 5 secondment, subject to line manager approval.
You will be responsible for:
- Lead and support operational improvement projects across the Royce Hub Building and wider Institute
- Coordinate building-related activities, including office moves, desk allocation, room bookings, events processes and induction arrangements
- Work with internal teams, Estates, contractors and partners to resolve operational issues and support safe, effective use of building spaces
- Design, review and improve processes to strengthen service delivery, reduce duplication and support efficient ways of working
- Use data, feedback and stakeholder insight to inform recommendations, reports, governance support and operational decisions
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We welcome applications from candidates who can bring strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills to a varied operational role in a collaborative research environment. You should be comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders, managing competing priorities and identifying practical improvements to services and processes.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential Criteria:
- Relevant degree or equivalent practical experience
- Administrative and management experience in a similar role, ideally within higher education or another complex organisation
- Experience of delivering excellent customer service and working effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders
- Experience of designing, implementing or improving processes to meet operational requirements
- Experience of servicing committees and boards
Desirable Criteria:
- Awareness of governance, data protection and information management principles
- Experience of working in a research institute or higher education environment, including events, internal communications, or working groups
- Experience of Oracle financials, line management, Microsoft Power Automate or Microsoft Copilot
We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.
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Our benefits include:
- Generous employer contribution pension
- 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
- Ride to work and EV car scheme available
For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.
We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Julia Lawson
Email Address: julia.lawson@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries and administrative support
Email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical and job portal support
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.
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