Programme Manager – SME Group

For informal queries, please contact Paul Milne, SME Group Deputy Director at

Are you ready for a new challenge and to help transform UK manufacturing? Can you help to lead our highly talented multidisciplinary team of engineers and business experts to help small manufacturers make big changes?

WMG has an opportunity for an experienced Programme Manager, to lead a portfolio of projects within WMG’s SME Group that support UK manufacturing SMEs to adopt technology, new thinking and innovation to boost their future competitiveness and make more in the UK.

The delivery of a mission‑based strategy consists of multiple projects, ranging from contracts with individual SMEs, to regional and national government funded programmes.

Managing a portfolio of projects within the SME Group, ensuring successful delivery of the mission‑based strategy.

Lead and support a dedicated team of project management professionals within the Project Management Office (PMO), overseeing recruitment and operational activities.

Maintain efficient and compliant operational practices to deliver successful projects and outcomes.

Provide excellent people management, communication and customer relationship management.

Proven project management abilities in industrial and research (University) environments.

Excellent people management and communication skills.

Proven ability to manage customer relationships.

We will consider applications for employment on a part‑time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full‑time.

WMG is the largest department at the University of Warwick, with over 800 staff and nearly 3,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The position is funded through WMG’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre initially to March 2028 with a possible extension beyond this period but dependent on the Government’s ongoing commitment and the level of funding available to the Catapult centre subsequently.

We are proud holders of the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the Institutional Silver Award.

Find out more about the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre. Find out more about the Energy Innovation Centre. Find out more about our range of undergraduate and apprenticeship degrees here.

We are a world‑leading research‑intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK. 92% of our research is rated world‑leading or internationally excellent.

World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025;
Research Excellence Framework 2021.

Closing deadline:
Wednesday 25th February 2025 at 11:55pm (UK Time). To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below). All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.

• Interview Date:
  Mid March 2026
• Start Date:
  
  As soon as possible

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work d out more about our awards and accreditations. We are also one of the six founder…