Project Operations Manager - Safe Autonomy Research Group

About the Role

The Project Operations Manager is a pivotal role within WMG's Safe Autonomy Research Group (SARG) at the University of Warwick, providing the operational backbone that allows around 30 academics, engineers, policy specialists and interns to focus on research excellence. Reporting to the Head of Safe Autonomy, Professor Siddartha Khastgir, the post holder takes operational responsibility for a portfolio worth over £5 million across DRC, UKRI, EU and EPSRC funding, alongside developing new project proposals that can involve ten or more partners and values exceeding £2 million.

SARG works at the leading edge of connected and automated mobility, supporting the safe deployment of automated vehicles up to Level 4 autonomy in partnership with organisations including Nissan, Wayve, Aurrigo, IDIADA, the CAA, Imperial College, the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Denso, Lloyd's Register, ISO, the Department for Transport and the European Commission, spanning technology development, safety assurance, public engagement and workforce skills initiatives such as PAVE UK.

Balancing project management, stakeholder engagement, team leadership and financial governance, the role combines strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, ensuring projects run on time, on budget, and in line with funder and university requirements while enabling the group's continued growth.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description (link here).

About You

A successful candidate will bring solid research project management experience, including contract negotiation, ideally gained within a university, research institute or similarly complex multi-partner environment. They will be comfortable managing budgets and reporting against grant conditions, with a working understanding of the UK and European research funding landscape (UKRI, EPSRC, EU).

Strong influencing, negotiation and conflict-management skills are essential, since the role means building productive relationships across academic, industry and funder stakeholders at once. Equally important is the ability to manage and support people, including formal line management responsibilities and day-to-day coordination of a larger, multidisciplinary team.

The ideal candidate is organised, deadline-driven and able to juggle multiple concurrent projects independently, while remaining a collaborative team player. Excellent written and verbal communication, sound critical thinking, and confidence with project management tools and approaches (e.g. MS Project, PRINCE2 or Agile) will set the strongest applicants apart.

About the Department

WMG is a vibrant, cutting-edge research institution at the University of Warwick, one of the world’s leading research and education groups with state-of-the-art technologies. WMG hosts one of the seven centres for High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult.

The Safe Autonomy Research Group at WMG are undertaking a programme of research and engineering across the verification and validation of automated transport (land, air and marine). From fundamental research, to applied research, the development of policy, standards and regulation, and direct commercial research. Our programme of work is having a material impact on the creation and application of novel safety assurance methods across emerging technologies, influencing international standards, policy and industrial methods. We are proudly enabling a new wave of technological progress by working with partners worldwide through our projects funded by Innovate UK, Horizon Europe and commercial industrial partners.

How to Apply

To apply please complete your essential personal details and attach a CV and cover letter by 11.59pm on the closing date stated.

We will review applications throughout the advertising period and may contact shortlisted candidates before the closing date. We therefore encourage interested applicants to submit their application as early as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.

Please ensure your CV includes your most recent employment experience along with any additional relevant experience and education history.

Your cover letter should detail your motivation for applying for the role as well as detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.   

The interviews will be held on a date to be confirmed.