Project Manager Job at University of Glasgow (Visa Sponsorship Possible)

The University of Glasgow is recruiting a Project Manager to coordinate and administer the portfolio of projects for two research initiatives: the Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC) and the ERC/UKRI-funded research project POLART. The role pays £41,064 to £46,049 a year (Grade 7), is full-time, and runs on a fixed-term basis until 31 October 2028.

This is a senior operational role rather than a junior admin position — you'd be managing a combined budget of over £5 million across a complex, multi-institutional research programme, supporting both a national data research hub and an interdisciplinary arts-and-policy research project.

About UBDC and POLART

UBDC has operated as a national research hub for over 11 years, championing the use of new sources of smart data to inform policymaking and improve urban life, working with partners across government, research councils, the third sector, and policy and practice. POLART ("Art and Policy in the Global Contemporary") is a 5-year interdisciplinary research project bringing together art, humanities, and social science researchers to explore the visual and performing arts as sources of expert knowledge for policymaking.

What the Role Involves

• Leading and managing the operational and administrative affairs of both UBDC and POLART, including delivery of research projects and milestones
• Working with the UBDC Director/Deputy Director and POLART PI to coordinate and respond to external funding opportunities, including budget development and submissions
• Supervising and allocating workload for a small team of administrative staff, including line management
• Providing advice and support across all operational aspects of both centres, including income generation
• Managing, disbursing, monitoring, and reporting on the combined budget in coordination with the College Research Support Office and funders
• Planning, coordinating, and monitoring the portfolio of projects and initiatives, liaising with external partners
• Overseeing seminars, conferences, training events, and workshop logistics
• Overseeing external and internal communications, working with the College's Communications & Engagement team
• Leading development of a communications strategy, including web and social media presence, briefings, blogs, podcasts, and explainer videos
• Managing internal information-sharing and data management systems
• Establishing and maintaining project management processes and documentation
• Acting as the principal administrative liaison point with key funders and stakeholders

Who Can Apply

Essential knowledge and qualifications:

• SCQF Level 8 (SVQ Level 4, HND) or equivalent, or demonstrable competencies gained through experience in a similar role
• Thorough understanding of programme and project management methodologies

Desirable:

• A formal project management qualification (SCRUM Master, PRINCE2 Practitioner, MSP Practitioner, or similar)
• Familiarity with complex, multi-partner research projects
• Experience with equitable international collaborations
• Familiarity with the research/policy relationship, cultural policy, or the arts sector

Essential skills include: planning and delivering a portfolio of projects; setting and monitoring budgets; strong qualitative and quantitative analysis; high personal initiative and autonomy; relationship-building with colleagues and external partners; website and social media content management; multi-tasking and flexible prioritisation; report and presentation writing; strong attention to detail; excellent digital and IT skills including project management/collaboration tools; cross-organisational liaison; leadership and motivational skills; negotiation and diplomacy; and appropriate handling of confidential information.

Essential experience: managing and delivering projects in Higher Education or a relevant setting; supervising administrative staff; using corporate financial/administrative systems, including research council finance systems; budgetary management and financial reporting to funder/university requirements; managing project deliverables, KPIs, and reports; research communication and events organisation; and partnership working and public engagement processes.

Desirable experience: line managing administrative staff; research administration in Higher Education or supporting public policy development in government; using collaborative/project management software (e.g. MS Teams, MS Project, Trello, Miro, GitHub); and workshop facilitation.

On visa sponsorship: the University notes that this post may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, if tradeable points can be used under the visa rules. Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker visa will need to meet the eligibility requirements of that route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship — it is not automatically guaranteed for every candidate.

Pay and Contract Details

• Pay: £41,064 – £46,049 per annum (Grade 7)
• Contract type: Full-time (35 hours/week), fixed-term until 31 October 2028
• Location: Glasgow
• Closing date: 30 September 2026, 23:45

Benefits

• 41 days of annual leave for full-time staff
• University pension scheme
• Benefits and discount packages
• Flexible approach to working
• Free 6-month University of Glasgow Sport membership for new staff
• A supportive, developmental organisational culture

The University also states a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and particularly welcomes applications from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities and other under-represented groups, and holds Athena Swan bronze, silver, and gold awards across the institution.

How to Apply

This is a substantial senior role supporting two active, funded research programmes, so applicants should be ready to demonstrate both hands-on project delivery experience and budget management at scale.

Apply for this opportunity here