Programme Delivery Research Manager

Having recently secured a strategic partnership with Sport England, this role will play a pivotal role in activating the research activities that are required to inform the Leadership Skills Foundation and the wider sector to empower a more diverse range of young people with opportunities to develop essential leadership and life skills, regardless of their background.

You will be a valued manager within the ‘Programme Delivery’ team and will work with other departments across the organization to support the development of future accessible and inclusive essential leadership programmes. With a key focus being on the needs, benefits and outcomes required among underserved and/or under-represented communities and individuals.

This role will require positive and proactive internal working relationships to be created with other teams and colleagues to support organisational objectives and goals.

In addition, the role will also be required to foster relationships with external stakeholders to shape the research that you will manage through your team.  This work will support the development of our programmes to engage thousands more young people and give them the essential leadership skills for them to believe, lead and succeed.

We’re looking for a confident, collaborative research manager that wants to make a positive social difference through research.  This role will inform the changes that are required within the organisation’s programmes and support the sector to give access to essential leadership skills development to under-served communities through breaking down barriers.

Role duties and responsibilities

1. Manage research and impact projects and activities, internally and externally, in support of our programme delivery strategic goals.
2. Develop and manage research proposals and methodologies to address strategic goals. 
3. Manage both primary and secondary research using a range of methodologies. 
4. Interpret and analyse research to derive meaningful insights and provide actionable recommendations.  
5. Present research findings, into clear, actionable recommendations, and compelling presentations that facilitate informed decision making across all levels of the organisation. 
6. Identify and recommend new research and evaluation projects and approaches which address gaps in our current evidence base. 
7. Engage with the Leadership team and Head of Programme Delivery to understand the organisation’s research requirements and align with organisational goals.
8. Manage other researchers providing guidance and support in their professional development.  
9. Contribute to the research project budgeting process, ensuring efficient use of resources. 
10. Scope and produce ‘Invitations to Tender’ for commissioned research and manage the commissioning process, ensuring that the proposed research meets required objectives. 
11. Manage commissioned research contracts, including monitoring progress, reviewing and editing reports. 
12. Foster collaborative internal relationships to drive a culture of research driven decisions throughout the organisation. 
13. Build and maintain relationships with external partners and funders and communicate key findings where required. 
14. Ensure all research activities comply with ethical standards. 
15. Maintain an awareness of new research developments across the sector and use this to inform planning and decision making.   

People Management Responsibilities

• Delivery Programme Research Executive (0.8)
• Working with other managers whose direct reports will support the delivery of programme goals and activities

Key Relationships

Internal

• Line Manager: Head of Programme Delivery
• Direct report: Delivery Programme Research Executive
• Departments: Innovation, Marketing and Communications
• Leadership Team including - Directors of: Innovation & Standards; Engagement; Finance and Operations, and Chief Executive.
• Finance Manager

External

• Strategic partners including organisations such as Sport England.
• National and regional network and research partners.
• Key local delivery centres

Skills, experience and knowledge

Required/essential:

• Educated to degree level in a subject with substantial statistical or research content.  
• Proven experience of working in a relevant research role.   
• Experience of leading/managing a range of different research projects, using a range of both primary and secondary research methodologies to gather both qualitative and quantitative research. 
• Experience in designing and leading high quality research proposals and tenders.   
• Demonstratable experience and evidence of aligning research projects and activities with strategic goals and informing organisational decision making.  
• Experience of formulating research reports and making recommendations in a range of easy to read and innovative formats.   
• Proven track record of building and nurturing highly effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior colleagues and external funders or partners. 
• Effective communication skills with the ability to present information confidently to a diverse range of stakeholders, including leadership team, funders and external partners.  
• Excellent project management skills and experience of leading research projects on time and on budget.  
• Strong organisation skills, ability to multi-task and work effectively in a busy team environment. 
• Able to deliver at pace ensuring efficiency.
• Excellent listening and recording skills to effectively evidence the findings of research. 
• Understanding of ethical standards and practices in research including potential issues.
• Complete and finish tasks independently and/or as part of a team. 
• Show competence with IT (including Microsoft Office). 

Desired:

• Line management experience  
• Knowledge and understanding of the sector, including trends, challenges, and best practices  
• Experience of researching on funded projects and meeting grant requirements.

 Personal qualities

• A confident, collaborative manager that wants to make a positive social difference.
• Pro-active with the ability to work on own initiative collaboratively and independently.
• Effective and confident communicator.
• Adaptable to operational requirements with an openness to give and receive constructive feedback as part of a growth mindset.
• A creative, problem solver with the ability to think critically and analyse a range data. 
• An ability to travel across the UK is required.