Postgraduate Research Officer (Progression and Welfare)

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Postgraduate Research Officer (Progression and Welfare). This role offers an exciting opportunity to play a central role in supporting postgraduate researchers (PGRs) across the Faculty of Science and Engineering, working within the Doctoral Academy to deliver high‑quality, consistent and student‑centred services.

You will work as part of a senior Professional Services team, leading and coordinating PGR progression and welfare activity across the postgraduate research lifecycle. Acting as a key point of contact, you will provide expert advice and guidance to postgraduate researchers, academic colleagues and Professional Services teams, ensuring processes are delivered fairly, consistently and in line with University policies, regulations and legal requirements.

This is a Grade 6, full‑time role based at the University of Manchester.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading and managing the Progression and Welfare Team, setting priorities, allocating work and supporting performance and development
• Overseeing postgraduate research progression and welfare processes, including support to study, changes to registration and complex cases
• Providing expert advice and guidance on PGR progression, wellbeing, policies and procedures
• Managing and overseeing appeals and complaints processes in collaboration with colleagues
• Using data and management information to monitor performance, inform decision‑making and drive continuous improvement

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria

• Expertise in postgraduate student lifecycle processes or comparable services within a complex organisation
• Proven experience of leading and managing teams to deliver high‑quality services
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle complex and sensitive issues professionally
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the use of data to improve outcomes

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working in a higher education environment
• Experience contributing to policy development or service improvement initiatives
• Experience supporting student welfare, progression or case management processes

We value inclusive leadership, collaboration and a commitment to delivering an excellent PGR experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:
• Generous employer pension contribution
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Access to flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities

For more information, please see
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here/.
You can also find information on Flexible and Hybrid working here:
https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/people/current-staff/flexible-and-hybrid-working/.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy:
https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=32905.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Ruth Whelan
Email Address: ruth.whelan@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.