Project Manager (ECSS)

Overview

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking an experienced and highly organised Project Manager to support the delivery of a major international event: the 2027 Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS).

Taking place at Manchester Central Convention Complex from 20-23 July 2027, the ECSS Congress is one of the world's largest and most prestigious conferences in sport and exercise science, attracting around 3,000 delegates from more than 80 countries. Hosting this event represents a significant opportunity to showcase Manchester Metropolitan University's global leadership in sport, health and human performance.

As Project Manager, you will play a key role in coordinating and delivering the University-led elements of the Congress. Working within the Business Engagement and Partnerships Directorate, and closely with the Institute of Sport, you will manage complex project workstreams, coordinate activity across academic and professional services teams, and ensure the successful delivery of initiatives that maximise the event's academic, civic and reputational impact.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a high-profile international event, collaborating with colleagues across the University and external partners while applying best-practice project management approaches in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

About the role

• You will: Lead the planning and coordination of project activity related to the ECSS Congress.

• Manage multiple project workstreams, ensuring delivery to agreed timelines, budgets and objectives.

• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the University and external partners.

• Support governance and reporting processes, producing updates for project boards and senior stakeholders.

• Develop and maintain project documentation including plans, risk registers and progress reports.

• Work collaboratively with communications and engagement teams to maximise the impact and visibility of the Congress.

About you

You will be an experienced project professional with a strong track record of delivering complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. You will bring excellent organisational, analytical and communication skills, along with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-moving environment.

You will also have:

• A recognised project or programme management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, Agile, PMI, MSP or APM).

• Experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.

• Strong skills in project planning, documentation, risk management and reporting.

• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective networks and relationships.

• Experience using Microsoft 365 tools including Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and SharePoint.

About us

At Manchester Metropolitan University, we are proud of our reputation for excellence in sport and exercise science, health and human performance. Hosting the ECSS Congress provides a unique opportunity to bring leading international experts to Manchester and showcase the University's research, facilities and partnerships on a global stage.

Join us and play a central role in delivering an event that will have lasting impact for the University, the city of Manchester and the international sport science community.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.

This vacancy is expected to attract a high volume of applications. Therefore, under the Disability Confident Scheme, only disabled people who apply under the scheme and best meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.