Project Manager – Research Information & Project Management Systems

UKCEH is seeking an experienced IT Project Manager to lead the procurement, implementation, and integration of a Research Information System (RIS) and a Project Management System.

The role demands strong project management skills, technical knowledge of systems integration (including APIs), and experience in research or higher education environments. The Project Manager will work cross-functionally with various departments across research and professional services to ensure the selected systems meet organisational requirements and are successfully deployed.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Research Information System Implementation 

• Project Manage the selection, procurement, and implementation of a Research Information System (RIS) based on initial scoping work completed, ensuring the system meets institutional requirements for researchers and research support teams. 

• Oversee system integration with existing internal systems (ERP (HR, finance), research repositories, CRM etc.), including determining system configuration, data linkages and API configurations. 

• Develop system workflows, data mapping strategies, and configuration settings. 

• Work with key teams to prepare data and manage data migration, quality assurance (QA), and testing processes to ensure smooth system go-live. 

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to design workflows, reporting structures and analytics tools for research management. 

• Lead the development of user training, documentation, and ongoing support materials to ensure effective Change Management and successful adoption. 

• Define long-term resourcing requirements for system administration and future enhancements. 

2. Project Management System Implementation 

• Work alongside a third-party consultancy to scope organisational options for a Project Management System, ensuring alignment with operational and financial processes. 

• Lead market research, procurement, and vendor selection for the system, working closely with IT and procurement teams. 
• Oversee implementation, configuration, and integration with existing tools.

• Develop data management strategies and process workflows for system users. 

• Define and manage the rollout strategy, including pilot testing, feedback collection, and final deployment.

• Lead the development of user training, documentation, and ongoing support materials to ensure effective Change Management and successful adoption.  

We’re looking for somebody who has: 

Essential: 

• Proven experience in project management pertaining to systems implementations within science/research, academic, or higher education environment.
• Prior experience of Research Information Systems (RIS) or Current Research Information Systems (CRIS), and research project management systems. 
• Technical knowledge of APIs, system integrations, and data management. 
• Experience in software procurement, and vendor management. 
• Ability to develop workflows, reporting structures, and system governance frameworks. 
• Strong stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration skills. 
• Experience leading training, documentation, and user support initiatives.  
• Ability to oversee QA, data integrity, and system testing. 
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage change in complex environments. 

Desirable:

• Experience implementing a Project Management or other Corporate Information systems. 
• Knowledge of higher education/academic research funding systems in the UK, scientific research project practices, publication repositories, Open Research compliance, and reporting frameworks (e.g., REF, Open Access policies). 
• Familiarity with agile project management methodologies. 

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.

Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

Working for UKCEH is rewarding

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure  
• 10% employer pension contribution 
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
• Peer reward and recognition scheme
• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave  
• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more... 

Apply today!

At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone—regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance—has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process—please don’t hesitate to reach out. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position at this time.