Job Description

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender, gender expression, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments will be made on merit. Flexible, hybrid and job share applications will be considered.


We are seeking an experienced and proactive project professional who will provide operational leadership and management for the The Network for Security Excellence & Collaboration (NSEC). NSEC is a UK-wide academic network that fosters collaboration across universities, government, and industry to address national security and resilience challenges. It aims to build cohesion, accelerate partnerships, and support impactful research aligned with the UK's security priorities. NSEC enables the effective coordination of stakeholders, and initiatives to drive cohesion and accelerate collaborations.


NSEC is funded by UKRI and delivered through SALIENT: the Building a Secure and Resilient World Research and Coordination Hub


Working closely with the SALIENT Hub (based at The University of Manchester) you will coordinate and oversee work packages, stakeholder engagement, and communications activities that underpin the success and sustainability of NSEC. NSEC and SALIENT sit under the umbrella of the Thomas Ashton Institute.

Key Responsibilities:

As NSEC Project Manager, you will lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of a wide range of activities that align with the network's strategic objectives. You will manage governance processes, facilitate key meetings, and report to senior stakeholders, while also building and maintaining strong relationships across academia, government, and industry. A key part of the role involves developing and implementing communication strategies, including oversight of the NSEC website, newsletter, and social media channels.


You will organise and support high-profile events such as national conferences and stakeholder workshops, and actively identify opportunities for collaboration, growth, and long-term funding. The role also includes maintaining and expanding the NSEC contact database in line with GDPR, providing operational and administrative support to the network's leadership, and monitoring progress and impact. You will be expected to champion continuous improvement, innovation, and inclusive practices across all aspects of the network's work.

You will bring:

You will bring a recognised project management qualification, such as PRINCE2 or APMP, or demonstrate equivalent practical experience in leading complex projects. With a strong track record of managing stakeholder relationships across diverse sectors, you will possess excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills. You will be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within dispersed teams, and adept at using digital platforms and communication tools to support project delivery. Your approach will be flexible, resilient, and proactive, enabling you to adapt to change and address challenges effectively. Above all, you will demonstrate a clear commitment to promoting equality, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing in all aspects of your work.

Why Join Us?

At the University of Manchester, we offer:

A welcoming, inclusive, and supportive working environment. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements and family-friendly policies. A structured induction, ongoing training, and career development opportunities. A commitment to social responsibility, sustainability, and wellbeing.

To learn more about NSEC/ SALIENT and TAI, visit: https://nsec.uk / https://www.salient-hub.org / https://www.ashtoninstitute.ac.uk


Interviews will be conducted in-person or remotely via video conference.


Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here


Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV's submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Email: salient@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.