Deliver one of Exeter’s most transformative digital programmes
This is the senior delivery role driving the University’s Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) programme from vision to reality. The DRI Programme is a large-scale, long-term initiative spanning advanced research computing, research data platforms, digital skills, sustainability, and service innovation. In recognition of the scale, scope and leadership responsibility, this post attracts an additional supplement.
As a central figure in this transformation, you will be working in partnership with leading global technology providers, from high-performance computing innovators to cloud hyperscalers, bringing world-class capabilities and expertise into Exeter’s research ecosystem.
You will oversee the end-to-end delivery of new digital research capabilities, ensuring they are implemented, embedded, and adopted across the University. This includes leading the procurement plan, managing supplier relationships, and translating research needs into robust technical solutions. You will coordinate the inputs from the other strategic roles including the Digital Research Compute Lead and Digital Research Data Lead to shape and deliver technical capabilities, and with the Digital Research Services Portfolio Manager to hand over sustainable, high-performing services into the live portfolio.
Your role will coordinate multiple interdependent workstreams, from infrastructure and platforms to skills and cultural adoption, ensuring they are delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with University strategy. Success will be measured by the delivery of programme outcomes, adoption of new services, and realisation of long-term benefits for the research community.
What you’ll be doing
- Managing the end-to-end delivery of the DRI programme, including procurement strategy and execution
- Oversee governance, planning, risk, and reporting with the DRI Programme Board and Advisory Group
- Work with architects, service leads, and researchers to shape and implement technical solutions
- Drive change management to embed new services and working practices
- Ensure services deliver measurable, long-term value through service design and benefits realisation
About you
We are looking for a supportive, strategic and collaborative leader with a proven track record in delivering complex, multi-stakeholder programmes involving both technical and organisational change. You will bring:
- Proven experience in programme management in a complex organisation
- Strong skills in procurement, supplier management, and technical delivery oversight
- Excellent change management, governance, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to manage budgets and resources across multiple projects
- Understanding of digital research services or technical environments
Help Shape the Future of Research at Exeter
By joining us, you will be part of the University’s Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) programme — a major strategic investment in advanced computing, data platforms, and digital skills. This is your opportunity to help shape and deliver services that enable exceptional, world-class research across disciplines.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
We will be reviewing applications as they come in, so please don’t hesitate in applying, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.
Why Join Exeter?
The University of Exeter combines world-class research with excellent student satisfaction, delivered from our vibrant campuses in Exeter and Cornwall. As a member of the Russell Group, we are recognised globally for academic excellence, with 17 subjects ranked in the world’s top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2024).
We are a values-led, ambitious institution with a bold vision for the future. Through our Strategy 2030, we are committed to shaping a fair, sustainable, and digitally enabled world. The Digital Research Programme Manager will play a pivotal role in turning this vision into reality—helping to deliver the infrastructure that powers research with real-world impact.