Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research projects to tackle critical NHS challenges and improve patient outcomes.
- Company: Join UK Research and Innovation, a key player in enhancing the UK's research and innovation landscape.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare while working with experts in a fast-paced, supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Seeking creative leaders from diverse backgrounds in research, innovation, or business.
- Other info: Regular travel to London and other UK sites is expected; remote work flexibility may be available.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking dynamic leaders from diverse backgrounds in research, innovation, or business to bring their creativity and vision to our Mission Research and Innovation Challenges. The Challenge Director role is crucial to the success of the Research & Development Missions Programme, serving as a champion for the role of research and innovation in addressing critical, complex issues identified by the UK Government’s Missions. With expertise spanning the UK’s ecosystem of research, innovation, and businesses, Challenge Directors will engage across the landscape to design impactful interventions. We welcome applicants who thrive in fast-paced environments and are eager to collaborate with UKRI and Government domain experts to shape timely, high-impact solutions.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is a non-departmental public body created to strengthen the strategic approach to future challenges and maximise value from the UK Government’s investment of over £8 billion per annum in research and innovation. We deliver a strengthened, unified voice for the UK’s research and innovation funding system, facilitating a dialogue with government and partners on the national stage. It builds on the UK’s world-class research and innovation performance, enabling the system to respond rapidly and effectively to current and future challenges.
The Research & Development Missions Programme (RDMP) is a new, targeted UK programme designed to support the Government’s National Missions and support delivery of the milestones in the Government’s Plan for Change. The primary objective of the RDMP is to fund targeted research and innovation (R&I), including technology development, to solve critical problems unique to each mission to improve people’s lives and create growth. An initial investment of £25 million was announced in the autumn budget, with UKRI leading, in partnership with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Government Mission teams, on focussed Research and Innovation (R&I) Challenges to respond to and develop solutions for the Problems in each Mission.
The priority milestone for the NHS Fit for the Future Mission is tackling waiting lists and returning to the elective standard. The initial focus is on identifying ways to improve allocative efficiency and patient outcomes through improving patient flow and shifting care from hospital to community. This includes improved access to healthcare, reducing the number of lives lost to the biggest killers (including cancer and cardiovascular disease) and tackling health inequalities through supporting the three shifts identified in the health mission of hospital to home; treatment to prevention; and analogue to digital.
No external commitments that could be perceived as a conflict of interest or material distraction from the execution of their duties.
UKRI is a diverse workforce of people. We believe that encouraging these differences and drawing the best from them will create a productive environment in which everyone feels valued, where talents are fully utilised and in which organisational goals are met. Underpinning this is a belief that it is a fundamental right for everyone to be treated equally, with fairness, respect and dignity. UKRI will act directly to ensure that this right is promoted and upheld; we welcome applications from all those who meet the criteria set out in our role profiles.
The role will be based at the UKRI offices in Swindon. Whilst an ability to lead and build relationships at a distance is beneficial, this is also a role where visibility will be important, therefore, travel to our London office and other UK sites on a regular basis is also expected.
A comprehensive CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements. Please provide details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of the capacity and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent. A supporting statement (maximum two sides A4) highlighting your suitability and setting out, with clear examples, how you meet the essential criteria as highlighted in the person specification. Please note that the supporting statement is an important part of your application; it is an evidence-based document and is as much the means by which you will be assessed as your CV. Please include where you heard about this role. You will also be asked to complete a Diversity Monitoring Form as part of your application. The closing date for applications is 23.59 BST on Sunday 20th April 2025. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Urvashi Ramphul. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
Challenge Director - An NHS Fit for the Future employer: Perrett Laver
Contact Detail:
Perrett Laver Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Challenge Director - An NHS Fit for the Future
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the UK Government’s Missions and the specific challenges they aim to address. Understanding these will help you articulate how your background in research, innovation, or business aligns with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the UKRI ecosystem. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet current Challenge Directors or other key stakeholders. Building these connections can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams and projects in fast-paced environments. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with diverse groups to achieve impactful results, as this is crucial for the Challenge Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in healthcare innovation and research funding. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will not only impress during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the mission of improving patient outcomes.
We think you need these skills to ace Challenge Director - An NHS Fit for the Future
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Challenge Director position. Understand the key responsibilities and the skills required, especially in research, innovation, and leadership.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Use it to highlight your relevant experience and provide clear examples of how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. Make it evidence-based and concise, ensuring it does not exceed two sides of A4.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and tailored to the role. Highlight your career history, responsibilities, and achievements that align with the requirements of the Challenge Director position. Include any relevant experience in leading research or innovation projects.
Provide Professional Referees: Select two professional referees who can vouch for your qualifications and experience. Make sure to include their details and specify the capacity in which they know you, along with the duration of your relationship. Remember, they won't be contacted without your consent.
How to prepare for a job interview at Perrett Laver
✨Understand the Mission
Familiarise yourself with the NHS Fit for the Future Mission and its objectives. Be prepared to discuss how your background in research, innovation, or business can contribute to tackling waiting lists and improving patient outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Challenge Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in fast-paced environments, highlighting your collaborative approach and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
✨Prepare Evidence-Based Examples
Your supporting statement is crucial. Bring specific examples that showcase your experience in designing impactful interventions and solving complex problems. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Emphasise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
UKRI values diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you have promoted these principles in your previous roles and how you plan to foster an inclusive environment within the team.
