Job Description

At UK Biobank, we help researchers answer some of the biggest questions about human health. Behind the scenes, that means bringing together people, data, and systems in ways that are thoughtful, well-governed, and built for long-term impact.


We're now looking for a Programme Manager to take responsibility for the delivery of UK Biobank's Data Linkage Programme, a strategically important area of work for the organisation. This is a role for someone who enjoys building clarity where things are evolving, connecting people across disciplines, and turning complex ambitions into progress that sticks.


As a pioneering and inclusive organisation, we value collaboration, curiosity, and practical delivery and we're excited to offer a role where you can genuinely shape how something new takes form.

Can you do it?

You'll lead the end-to-end development and delivery of a major programme, working closely with the Executive team and senior stakeholders across UK Biobank, partner organisations, and data providers.


The programme sits within UK Biobank's Data Linkage Programme, a key strategic priority as we expand how we link to external health records and datasets. You'll report to the Director of Projects and Change and be accountable to the Director of Data Linkage, ensuring the programme approach aligns with organisational frameworks while accommodating the specific technical, governance, legal, and partnership considerations that come with data linkage.


This role suits someone who can bring momentum to environments with multiple perspectives, competing priorities, and evolving requirements — helping interdependent initiatives move forward and deliver lasting value.

You will be responsible for:

Translating strategy into deliverable programmes by aligning multi-disciplinary teams, managing interdependencies and navigating complex constraints. Defining and maintaining a clear programme vision, roadmap, outcomes and success measures aligned to organisational strategy and portfolio priorities. Assessing and shaping resourcing and capability across multi-disciplinary teams to deliver current and future data linkage ambitions. Identifying and managing programme risks and constraints, particularly around data quality, governance, ethics and timeliness, working with partners to mitigate impact. Providing pragmatic, hands-on leadership when needed, contributing to critical work while maintaining programme direction and long-term sustainability.

Is this 'you'?

You're comfortable working in complex, governance-heavy environments and enjoy bringing structure and progress to work that spans teams and organisations. You balance strategic thinking with practical delivery and communicate clearly with a wide range of stakeholders.

To be successful, you will have:

Strong programme management capability including planning, dependency management, governance, assurance and benefits realisation with a proven track record of leading the development and delivery of complex, large scale programmes. Demonstrable experience working in highly regulated or governance-heavy environments, such as health research, public sector or data driven organisations. Proven ability to manage risk, uncertainty and change, including issues relating to data quality and external dependencies. Experience leading large, multi-disciplinary project teams within a matrix management structure, with strong stakeholder management skills and an ability to operate across organisational boundaries.
Working hours are 35-hours per week, Monday to Friday with some flexibility, 3-days onsite with hybrid working available. Located in Oxford.


Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.

Your Wellbeing Matters to Us

We're proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and work-life balance - right from day one. Here's what you can look forward to as part of our team:

26 Days' Annual Leave

- Plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.

Holiday Buy Scheme

- Purchase up to one additional week of leave per year.

Birthday Leave

- Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.

USS Pension Scheme

- Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan.

Healthcare Cash Plan

- Claim back costs for everyday health expenses.

Enhanced Family Leave -

Available from day one for maternity, paternity, and adoption.

Cycle to Work Scheme

- Save on a new bike and accessories.

Season Ticket Loan

- Interest-free loan to help with commuting costs.

Professional Subscriptions

- Reimbursement where applicable.

Learning budget

- Annual funds for courses, books, or anything else that fuels your personal and professional growth.

Employee Discounts Portal

- Access to savings across retail, travel, and more.

Employee Assistance Programme

- Confidential support for personal and work-related issues.

Annual Flu Vaccination

- Stay protected with free flu jabs.

Life Assurance Cover

- Financial protection for your loved ones.
#LI-Hybrid

The job advert closing date may change, so we recommend that if you are planning to apply that you do so without delay.

About UK Biobank

UK Biobank is a large-scale biomedical database and research resource containing in-depth genetic and health information from half a million UK participants.


The database, the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the world, is anonymised and made widely accessible by UK Biobank to global researchers who use it to find new scientific discoveries about common and life-threatening diseases - such as cancer, heart disease and stroke which strike in mid-later life.


UK Biobank is an innovative organisation with over 350 staff across four sites in the UK that fosters an engaging environment and supports the development of our staff. Our dedicated teams work alongside the world's leading biomedical scientists in our joint mission to improve public health.


Benefits:


Bereavement leave Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free flu jabs Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance Referral programme Sick pay Work from home
Work Location: In person