Full-Time, Permanent
The Role:
The Project Manager for the CoSTAR National Lab is a pivotal role within the CoSTAR programme, responsible for the successful delivery of complex R&D projects in creative technology. You will work closely with the StoryFutures senior leadership team, Head of Delivery, and the Director of Operations to implement robust systems and processes that ensure the seamless execution of our innovative work programmes. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent project management skills to drive forward our ambitious agenda in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
About the National R&D Lab:
The CoSTAR National Lab for R&D in Creative Technology is the largest ever investment in creative industries R&D in UK history: a £51.1m programme led by Royal Holloway, University of London to develop a National R&D Lab for creative technologies to ensure the UK’s screen and performance industries have the innovation infrastructure needed to compete globally. Our Lab will include dedicated Stage and Studio space, featuring advanced creative computing technologies including AI, virtual production, and 5G systems. Our consortium brings together world-leading research teams from media production, psychology, business, and drama at Royal Holloway, AI at University of Surrey, and Creative Technology at Abertay University; and professional training at the National Film & Television School. The CoSTAR National R&D Lab has unparalleled UK reach, with over 5,000 UK companies already connected to StoryFutures founding partnership.
The National R&D Lab will place Equality, Diversity, and Sustainability at the heart of all we do: from our team culture to the research programmes we run, to how we collaborate with partners.
What You Will Be Doing:
Lead the Project Management of the National Lab’s internal Research and Development work packages, working with multiple stakeholders across partner institutions, tracking progress against milestones, and helping mitigate risks to timeline and budget.
Manage the CoSTAR budget and cost monitors, under the direction of the Head of Delivery, to ensure up-to-date, accurate data on forecast spend profile, and current budget position.
Support the Head of Programme Delivery with quarterly reporting to our funder, the AHRC (Arts and Humanities Research Council), on budget position as well as tracking progress of KPIs and milestones.
Oversee day-to-day operational matters, including operating budgets, contracting, financial processes, and proactively addressing operational challenges.
Maintain and review action and risk logs.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including partner organisations, to develop and ensure smooth operation, including legal, finance, and procurement to support contracting, purchasing, and others as required.
Monitor resource allocation with reporting of any under or over-utilisation to the Head of Programme Delivery.
Ensure project compliance with project governance, funder rules, and related university standards on information security, data protection, and related standards and policies.
Ensure internal and external impact and financial reporting requirements are met, taking responsibility for the maintenance and accuracy of data.
Champion best practice and ensure CoSTAR and StoryFutures systems and processes are followed.
Conduct project retrospectives ensuring lessons learned are fed back to the team.
Perform secretariat duties for CoSTAR management team meetings, including communication of agenda and associated papers, and capturing actions.
Line Management of Project Coordinators.
You Should Apply If You:
Can demonstrate excellent project management experience, organisational and administrative skills, and proactiveness.
Would enjoy the challenge and excitement of working for the new CoSTAR National Lab in R&D for the Creative Industries with world-leading higher education institutions and industry partners.
Have a positive ‘can do’ and solution-focused approach with the ability to multi-task different projects and priorities as well as working well as part of a team.
Show a keen interest in emerging technologies, research, and innovation.
Are highly numerate with excellent written and spoken English.
Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, adaptable to a fast-moving, agile environment.
Have experience in line management, conflict resolution, and effective negotiation.
Are familiar with project management tools such as Smartsheets and MS Project.
This is a full-time, permanent role available from April 2024. This post is based in Egham, Surrey, but with the expectation of significant working time at the National Lab which is being built in the region and some national travel expected.
In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:
Generous annual leave entitlement
Training and Development opportunities
Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing
Free parking
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Chris Gallani: chris.gallani@rhul.ac.uk
For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: recruitment@rhul.ac.uk
Please quote the reference: 0125-019
Closing Date: 23:59, 23 February 2025
Interview Date: In-person interviews will take place on 10 March 2025. Applicants should download interview instructions from the Royal Holloway recruitment website. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake a test of their administration skills as part of the interview process.
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