Research And Innovation Delivery Specialist

TL;DR

Research and Innovation Delivery Specialist: Driving the delivery of research and innovation initiatives, including AI and digital exams, across internal and external partners with an accent on project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Focus on supporting the handover of research outputs into operational teams and ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.

Location: Hybrid (2 days a week on site) in Manchester or Milton Keynes, UK

Salary: Manchester £49,900–£68,500 / Milton Keynes £51,900–£71,400

Company

hirify.global is an independent charity that sets and marks over half of all GCSEs and A-levels in the UK every year, aiming to advance education by helping students and teachers to realise their potential.

What you will do

• Drive and facilitate the delivery of research and innovation initiatives across multiple internal and external partners.
• Manage project plans, risks, and milestones to ensure outcomes are delivered on time.
• Support the handover of research outputs into operational teams and product development.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans for research and innovation initiatives, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including researchers, technologists, and external collaborators to ensure project objectives are achieved.
• Produce clear and insightful reporting for internal and external stakeholders, including funders, partners, and senior leadership.

Requirements

• Has experience delivering innovation projects in a technical, research or product‑focused environment.
• Understands the research and development cycle and the challenges that come with less predictable project pathways.
• Can navigate fast‑paced, complex work with many contributors and moving parts.
• Strong problem solving, organisational and analytical skills with an eye for detail.
• Communicates clearly with stakeholders from a range of disciplines.
• Proven experience in project and planning management within research, innovation, or technology development environments.

Nice to have

• Degree or equivalent qualification in project management, innovation, research, or a related field.
• Understanding of budgeting, funding mechanisms, and financial tracking in research and innovation contexts.
• Understanding of the educational assessment environment and awareness of key debates, players and influencers.
• Broad understanding of the political, educational and business context within which hirify.global works

Culture & Benefits

• The chance to work on high‑profile projects such as AI‑supported marking and digital assessment tools.
• Opportunities to collaborate with researchers, data scientists and external innovation partners.
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas.
• A 35-hour working week with flexible working arrangements.
• Excellent contributory pension scheme (6%–11.5% depending on your contribution).
• Committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion.

Hiring process

• Submit your CV and complete the application form on our careers site.