Chief of Strategy

Overview

LOCATION: Bristol(with flexible / hybrid working options)

CONTRACT TYPE: Open Ended (permanent)

HOURS: Full Time

CLOSING DATE: 22 February 26

ABOUT RESEARCH ENGLAND

Research England, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), funds and supports research and knowledge exchange in English higher education institutions. We help create the conditions for a strong, globally competitive research and innovation system that benefits the economy, society, and the public.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This new senior leadership role strengthens Research England’s strategic capability and positions the organisation for the future. It leads high‑priority projects responding to challenges facing English higher education and drives organisational change in line with UKRI strategy, including integrating new responsibilities into Research England’s governance and operating models.

As Chief of Strategy, you will work with the Executive Chair, Council, and Senior Leadership Team to define and embed Research England’s long‑term direction while supporting key sector‑wide initiatives. This role is not only about setting vision but shaping the system, aligning internal and external priorities, and enabling strategic delivery at scale.

Strategic Leadership and Organisational Direction

• Lead the development and delivery of Research England’s long‑term strategy, aligned with UKRI.
• Shape organisational direction to ensure agility, foresight, and long‑term impact.

Execution and Organisational Alignment

• Coordinate strategy across directorates to align intent with delivery.
• Remove barriers to progress and ensure clear, consistent decision‑making.

Strategic Insight, Evidence and Foresight

• Build strategic insight capability using data, research, and foresight to inform decisions and funding strategies.
• Lead horizon scanning, scenario planning, and impact evaluation.

Data and Evidence Strategy

• Strengthen the organisation’s ability to generate, analyse, and apply data and evidence for strategy, investment, and policy.
• Integrate data and evidence functions to improve coordination, governance, and impact reporting, including through external partnerships.

External Influence and System Engagement

• Deputise for the Executive Chair and represent Research England at senior levels across UKRI, government, and the sector.
• Build influential relationships to align organisational and system priorities.

Leadership Support and Delegated Authority

• Represent Research England in senior forums under delegated authority.
• Oversee cross‑organisational priority projects, enabling the Executive Chair to focus on system leadership.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Proven ability to shape and deliver organisational strategy, ideally with system‑wide transformation experience.
• Executive‑level responsibility for organisational change, including work within complex governance structures.
• Experience using data, evidence, and insights to improve system performance and reporting.
• Strong understanding of the UK research and innovation system, including funding, policy, and public value.
• In‑depth knowledge of sector challenges and of Research England’s role, priorities, and programmes.
• Senior expertise in university finance, administration, and research management, including  sector data use.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Exceptional strategic thinker able to navigate complexity and create clear direction.
• Strong relationship‑builder with senior leaders across government, academia, and funding bodies.

Leadership Style and Attributes:

• Leads through influence and shared purpose, empowers others, and adapts confidently in complex, evolving environments.

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)