Research Impact Manager

Welcome to HMC

Howell Marine Consulting (HMC) is a specialist consultancy working at the interface of marine science, policy, regulation and delivery. We design, manage and evaluate major research and evidence programmes that inform real-world decisions across offshore wind, marine planning, nature recovery and the blue economy.

Our work spans nationally significant programmes including ECOWind, INSITE, ECOFlow, and VALMAS, supporting government, regulators, research funders and industry to ensure that research investment delivers tangible outcomes. We are known for our credibility, independence and ability to turn complex science into policy-ready evidence.

Your role at HMC

We are seeking a Research Impact Manager to play a central role in delivering impact across major marine research programmes, connecting research outputs to policy, regulatory and industry decision-making.

You will work closely with researchers, funders, regulators and industry stakeholders to design and deliver impact pathways, manage engagement processes, and ensure that evidence is used, not just published. You will be embedded within live programmes and supported by senior impact leads and programme directors.

This role suits someone who is comfortable operating at the science–policy interface and who enjoys working across multiple projects in a fast-moving policy environment.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

• Managing impact delivery across one or more major research or evidence programmes.
• Working with researchers to shape outputs so they are relevant, timely and usable by policy and regulatory audiences.
• Building and maintaining trusted relationships with government departments, regulators, Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies, industry bodies and funders.
• Designing and delivering impact plans with wider policy and delivery contexts, tracking and evidencing impact, including uptake, influence and outcomes to support reporting and evaluation.
• Convening and supporting engagement activities such as workshops, briefings, webinars and advisory meetings.
• Translating complex technical outputs into clear, policy-focused products such as briefings, summaries and guidance notes.
• Leading reporting, risks and change management of research programmes.

To succeed in the role, you will need:

Essential Criteria

• A postgraduate degree in a relevant subject, for example environmental science, marine science, geography, policy, economics, social science or a related discipline.
• Experience working in a research, policy, regulatory, consultancy or evidence-based environment.
• A strong understanding of how evidence informs policy, regulation or strategic decision-making.
• Proven ability to work with technical or scientific experts and translate complex material for non-technical audiences.
• Experience engaging with external stakeholders, including government, regulators, industry or NGOs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, policy-focused outputs and reports.
• Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage multiple workstreams, deadlines and reporting needs.
• Confidence working independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.

Desirable Criteria

• A PhD in a relevant field such as marine or environmental science, policy, economics, planning or a related discipline.
• Experience working on marine, environmental, climate, infrastructure or offshore wind related topics.
• Familiarity with UK policy and regulatory processes, particularly in environmental or marine contexts.
• Experience supporting or managing research programmes, evidence portfolios or funded projects.
• Experience designing or delivering impact plans, knowledge exchange activities or evaluation frameworks.
• Understanding of research funding environments, such as UKRI, NERC or comparable bodies.
• Experience working at the science–policy interface or in roles bridging research and decision-making.

The Package

HMC does not have an office, so the role is home-based but with regular opportunities to meet with colleagues. For this reason, you must have the right to live and work in the UK, and currently reside in the UK. The package for this role includes:

• Agreed salary on the pay scale which is set between £45,000 and £54,999 (pro rata if part time) and increased in line with HMC’s annual performance-related salary review process.
• HMC have an annual bonus scheme in place worth up to 10% of your annual salary (dependent on company performance).
• Contributions to a workplace pension scheme in line with statutory requirements.
• 28 days of paid holiday per annum (pro rata if part time).
• Office equipment to allow home working including:
  • Computer (MacBook Air).
  • Workstation if required (e.g. adjustable desk and chair).
  • Mobile Phone (iPhone).
  • Office stationery.

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and short covering letter outlining your interest in and suitability for the role. Applications should be sent to recruitment@howellmarine.co.uk by the deadline of 12 noon on 28th January 2026.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact us at recruitment@howellmarine.co.uk and this can be arranged.