Digital Research Programme Manager

This new full-time role is available immediately on a fixed-term basis until 01/08/2027 and offers the opportunity of hybrid working – some time at home and some time on campus. This role is initially offered on a two-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of extension, subject to funding and further approvals.

Deliver one of Exeter’s most transformative digital programmes.

This is the senior delivery role driving the University’s Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) programme from vision to reality. The DRI Programme is a large-scale, long-term initiative spanning advanced research computing, research data platforms, digital skills, sustainability, and service innovation. In recognition of the scale, scope and leadership responsibility, this post attracts an additional supplement.

As a central figure in this transformation, you will be working in partnership with leading global technology providers, from high-performance computing innovators to cloud hyperscalers, bringing world-class capabilities and expertise into Exeter’s research ecosystem.

You will oversee the end-to-end delivery of new digital research capabilities, ensuring they are implemented, embedded, and adopted across the University. This includes leading the procurement plan, managing supplier relationships, and translating research needs into robust technical solutions. You will coordinate the inputs from the other strategic roles including the Digital Research Compute Lead and Digital Research Data Lead to shape and deliver technical capabilities, and with the Digital Research Services Portfolio Manager to hand over sustainable, high-performing services into the live portfolio.

Your role will coordinate multiple interdependent workstreams, from infrastructure and platforms to skills and cultural adoption, ensuring they are delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with university strategy. Success will be measured by the delivery of programme outcomes, adoption of new services, and realisation of long-term benefits for the research community.

What you’ll be doing

• Managing the end-to-end delivery of the DRI programme, including procurement strategy and execution.
• Oversee governance, planning, risk, and reporting with the DRI Programme Board and Advisory Group.
• Work with architects, service leads, and researchers to shape and implement technical solutions.
• Drive change management to embed new services and working practices.
• Ensure services deliver measurable, long-term value through service design and benefits realisation.

About you
We are looking for a supportive, strategic and collaborative leader with a proven track record in delivering complex, multi-stakeholder programmes involving both technical and organisational change. You will bring:

• Proven experience in programme management in a complex organisation.
• Strong skills in procurement, supplier management, and technical delivery oversight.
• Excellent change management, governance, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and resources across multiple projects.
• Understanding of digital research services or technical environments.

Help Shape the Future of Research at Exeter

By joining us, you will be part of the University’s Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) programme — a major strategic investment in advanced computing, data platforms, and digital skills. This is your opportunity to help shape and deliver services that enable exceptional, world-class research across disciplines.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button) for full details of this role.

We will be reviewing applications as they come in, so please don’t hesitate in applying, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.

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