This is a 12 month fixed term contract positon. Based at Alderley Park, Medicines Discovery Catapult is a national Life Sciences service dedicated to turning drug discovery into commercial breakthroughs. We accelerate the development of science, and where there are areas of unmet patient need, we stimulate innovation. By transforming drug discovery, we can improve patient lives, increase the impact of the UK Life Sciences sector, and create a healthier society and economy. Our interventions work. Since we started, we have helped over 300 companies raise over £1bn of R&D investment. We seek passionate individuals who are eager to collaborate, innovate, and make a tangible difference in the field of drug discovery. Together, we can unlock new therapies, enhance patient outcomes, and ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of life sciences innovation. If you are ready to make an impact, we invite you to be part of our journey. The values of the Catapult are: Excellence – we continually strive to deliver the best solutions for our partners and for each other. In everything we do, we instil confidence. Integrity – Our strong commitment to what we do and why we are here drives us to do the right thing for our partners and each other. Community – We’re a strong team, we work well together, and we respect each other. Innovation - We’re driven by the need to make a difference. We constantly look for ways to drive change in our sector and how we work. Role purpose An opportunity has arisen within our Project Delivery Team for an experienced Project Management Professional who is looking for a 12-month FTC to cover maternity leave. The successful candidate will support operational implementation of one of our national-level translational programmes managed by the Medicines Discovery Catapult. A key purpose of the role will be to work closely with the programme leadership to build programme-level delivery plans with clear accountabilities, measures of success and accurate resource and financial forecasts. You will ensure effective management of the programme, through implementation of best practice management processes and coordinated teamwork with internal MDC stakeholders and external partners. The successful candidate will also take overall responsibility for the management of a complex portfolio of projects. The project portfolio is diverse and includes developing new cross-sector R&D opportunities and grant-funded life sciences research across, Discovery Science. The nature of this role includes significant input into reporting requirements and project management framework, including governance. Main Duties & Responsibilities: Work closely with programme leadership and the wider business to develop and manage programme budget, tracking variances versus budget and ensure any variances are communicated effectively, with remedial plans. Ensure the correct governance is put in place to manage the programme and to communicate to key stakeholders including mandatory programme meetings and Steering Groups where appropriate. Provide excellent communication to the programme stakeholders. Working closely with all relevant internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of project/programme outputs in line with partner/funder expectations Driving the management of programme/project risks and issues Escalating risk and issues to Head of Project Delivery or other key stakeholders as appropriate. Providing good communication on all project matters across the whole business at all levels of the organisation, including external partners. Essential qualifications, skills, and knowledge: Experience in managing complex and diverse set of projects with a track record of consistent success in delivering projects to their agreed objectives to time, cost, and quality standards Experience managing collaborative co-development projects comprised of internal staff, consultants, external contractors and clients. Has Commercial Acumen and an understanding of business issues Strong professional standards Excellent attention to detail whilst retaining the ability to see the ‘bigger picture’ Ability to juggle multiple tasks within the constraints of timelines and budgets and maintaining accuracy Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced environment Excellent organisational skills Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills aligned with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with peers, senior managers, and project team members Solution orientated, removing barriers to ensure company success with a calm and level-headed approach Be comfortable in managing the uncertainty inherent in an advanced innovation programme Excellent IT skills, to include MS Word, MS Project, MS PowerPoint and MS Excel. Desirable qualifications, skills, and knowledge: Experience working in an innovative environment with both technical and commercial content Experience of managing projects within public and private sector organisations, including Grant funded endeavours. Project management capabilities and competencies align with those of the APM Body of Knowledge and competency framework Professional Development. Keeps up to date with professional knowledge, expertise, and best practice Experience of working in a small-medium organisation with a pragmatic attitude Closing date: Friday 17th January 2025 Please note the closing date for applications may be brought forward if a high volume of applications are received.