Research England is a council of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), responsible for funding and supporting research and knowledge exchange in higher education institutions across England. We shape the conditions for a vibrant, globally competitive research and innovation system that supports national prosperity, societal advancement, and the public good.
Research England also leads several cross-cutting functions on behalf of UKRI and acts to enable these in delivering UKRI’s mission to advance knowledge, improve lives and drive growth.
We work in close partnership with UKRI, government, universities, and other stakeholders to ensure the sector is equipped to address national priorities, respond to emerging challenges, and drive long-term impact.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This is a newly created, senior executive leadership role, designed to enhance the strategic capacity of Research England and position the organisation for the future. The role supports a number of high-priority projects and programmes responding to challenges facing higher education institutions in England and leads organisational change within the wider context of UKRI strategy and direction, including the integration of additional responsibilities and functions into Research England’s governance and operating models.
In addition to leading strategic development, the postholder will hold executive responsibility for translating strategy into organisational design, change delivery, and sustained implementation across Research England. The role combines system-level strategic leadership with ownership of organisational change and transformation, including accountability for shaping and delivering a future-state operating model aligned to UKRI strategy.
As Chief of Strategy, you will work closely with the Executive Chair, Research England Council, and Senior Leadership Team to lead the development and embedding of Research England’s long-term strategic direction, while also supporting key projects that address sector-wide issues. This role goes beyond high-level vision-setting: it is about shaping the system we operate in, aligning internal and external agendas, and enabling strategic delivery at scale.
The role combines thought leadership with practical delivery, embedding strategic thinking into the core of the organisation, connecting it to real-world execution, and strengthening Research England’s voice and influence across the sector.
TEAM AND STRUCTURE
The role will establish and lead a small, focused strategic function bringing together strategy, insight, and organisational planning capability. This will include a new senior strategy role reporting into the Chief of Strategy. The precise configuration, resourcing, and line management arrangements of this team will be developed following appointment, taking account of existing capabilities across Research England and UKRI, and with a view to minimising duplication and disruption.
The Chief of Strategy will take a phased and proportionate approach to organisational change, recognising the wider leadership context and the need for continuity and stability. Initial focus will be on priority areas where strategic coordination and change leadership add the greatest value, while laying foundations for longer-term capability development and leadership succession.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership and Organisational Direction:
Execution and Organisational Alignment:
Strategic Insight, Evidence and Foresight:
Data and Evidence Strategy:
External Influence and System Engagement:
Leadership Support and Delegated Authority:
Strengthen the cohesion and effectiveness of the Senior Leadership Team through strategic alignment and operational oversight.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
(S) – Assessed at shortlisting
(I) – Assessed at interview
(S&I) – Assessed at shortlisting & interview
Experience and Knowledge:
Skills and Capabilities:
Leadership Style and Attributes:
WHY JOIN US?
Be part of a values-led leadership team committed to excellence, equity, and the public good.
INCENTIVES
UKRI can offer the successful candidate:
– Flexible Working
– 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays
– Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme
– Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider
Visit our dedicated benefits webpage for more info: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
APPLICATION GUIDANCE
How to evidence the criteria:
We encourage you to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in your cover letter to clearly demonstrate how your experience meets each of the ‘person specification’ criteria outlined in the job description. For examples of the STAR method, please visit: The STAR method | National Careers Service’.
Please ensure your CV and cover letter are no longer than two A4 pages each, using a minimum font size of 11. Once submitted, your application cannot be edited via our careers website; however, if you encounter any issues or need to update your documents, please contact us at SeniorRecruitment@ukri.org.
OTHER INFORMATION
If you’d like to have an informal chat about the role before applying, you’re welcome to get in touch with us at seniorrecruitment@ukri.org
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