Location
Hybrid working based at UK Health Security Agency core HQ in London/Canary Wharf, 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf Estate, London E14 4PU. Hybrid model requires a minimum of 60% of contractual hours (approximately 3 days per week) spent in the office.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Civil Service Grade 7: £60,494 - £70,566 per annum, pro rata. Fixed Term Contract until 31 March 2029.

About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Project Manager (Scientific) to join the Pathogen Genomics Programme team within Clinical and Public Health. The role involves leading the day-to-day management of scientific projects of moderate to high complexity that influence UKHSA’s long-term outcomes and strategic objectives. You will oversee project delivery ensuring objectives are met within agreed time, cost, and quality constraints. Key responsibilities include progressing the metagenomics programme, chairing operational meetings, managing risks and issues, engaging with stakeholders, providing monthly financial and resource updates, and drafting business cases aligned with the 5-year Genomics Strategy.

You will provide effective leadership to project teams, develop and maintain project plans, manage budgets, and ensure benefits realisation. You will lead risk management processes, support governance and decision-making, coordinate assurance reviews, and implement change management. As an active member of the UKHSA Project Delivery Profession Community, you will promote personal and team development through coaching and guidance.

This role requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-changing, multidisciplinary environment. You will contribute to an inclusive culture that values diversity and equality of opportunity.

The role is based at a modern, well-connected office co-located with other government departments and offers flexible working options within a supportive environment.

Experience
- Educated to degree level in a science or health-related subject or equivalent experience.
- Proven experience managing medium complexity projects including planning, scheduling, budget and resource management, risk and issue management.
- Detailed knowledge of project methodologies, governance, assurance, planning, requirements management, and change control.
- Experience delivering scientific projects in collaborative or multidisciplinary environments.
- Understanding of public health/public sector contexts and ability to interpret complex scientific information.
- Working knowledge of business case development, benefits management, and commercial/procurement processes.
- Demonstrated leadership promoting diversity, inclusion, and equality.
- Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build effective stakeholder relationships.
- Excellent communication skills with ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment with attention to detail.
- Commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

About you
You are a visible and effective leader who values diversity and inclusion. You have strong interpersonal and communication skills, thrive in collaborative environments, and are adaptable to change. You are motivated to deliver high-quality outcomes and support team development through coaching and guidance.

Qualifications
Professional project management qualifications such as PRINCE2 Practitioner, Agile Project Management Practitioner, APM Project Management Qualification, APM Chartered Project Professional, Project Leadership Programme, or PMI Project Management Professional are required.

Desirable
Awareness of UK government departments, intergovernmental organisations, and devolved administrations involved in pathogen surveillance and genomics, and familiarity with the health and social care environment.