At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead performance strategy and optimise fundraising and engagement insights.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leader in cancer-focused innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid work, and visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
- Why this job: Make a global impact while shaping data-driven decision-making.
- Qualifications: Experience in performance frameworks and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
As Portfolio Performance Lead, you will sit at the heart of organisational strategy, shaping how fundraising, marketing, and engagement performance is measured, understood, and optimised. You will build a unified, trusted view of portfolio-wide performance, translating complex data into clear insights that guide senior leadership decisions. This is a high-impact leadership role combining people management, performance frameworks, and strategic storytelling. You will lead Senior Performance Managers, collaborate closely with finance, data, insight, and marketing teams, and help embed a culture of audience-led, outcome-focused decision-making across the organisation.
Responsibilities
- Develop and communicate a unified portfolio performance narrative across fundraising and engagement activities
- Lead portfolio-level performance frameworks, reviews, and senior leadership discussions to identify risks and opportunities
- Manage and coach a team of Senior Performance Managers, ensuring strong delivery and ownership across proposition areas
- Provide senior stakeholders with a centralised, consistent, and independent view of performance
- Lead priority and target-setting processes in partnership with finance, data, and strategy teams
- Drive innovation by reducing manual reporting and strengthening insight-led performance storytelling
- Establish best practices for performance standards, tools, and ways of working across the organisation
- Champion data literacy and continuous improvement to strengthen organisational performance culture
Qualifications
- Proven experience building and owning performance frameworks with finance, data, insight, and strategy teams
- Strong understanding of performance measurement across marketing, audience engagement, and organisational effectiveness
- Demonstrated ability to synthesise complex data into clear strategic recommendations
- Experience leading and developing senior managers in high-performing teams
- Confidence influencing stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership
- Track record contributing to organisational change and audience-led approaches
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to present insights to non-technical audiences
An exciting leadership opportunity is now available in London for experienced performance and strategy professionals seeking to make a global impact. Cancer-focused innovation meets data-driven decision-making in this Portfolio Performance Lead role, based in Stratford, England, offering a salary of £65,000-£70,000 plus benefits and Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for eligible international candidates. This permanent, full-time position (35 hours per week) follows a highly flexible hybrid model, with just 1–2 days per week in the office, making it an attractive option for overseas professionals relocating to the UK.
Portfolio Performance Lead Job in UK 2026 | Cancer Research UK employer: Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. As a Portfolio Performance Lead in London, you will benefit from a flexible hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth while contributing to impactful cancer research initiatives. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a global difference through data-driven decision-making and audience-led strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Performance Lead Job in UK 2026 | Cancer Research UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to performance measurement and strategy. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your storytelling skills! When discussing your experience, focus on how you’ve turned complex data into actionable insights. We want to see how you can communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Performance Lead Job in UK 2026 | Cancer Research UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in performance frameworks and data storytelling. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Portfolio Performance Lead, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing Senior Performance Managers, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams and influenced stakeholders at various levels. We love a good story about making an impact!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to explain complex data insights and performance metrics. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Portfolio Performance Lead, you'll be dealing with complex data. Make sure you brush up on key performance metrics relevant to fundraising and engagement. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in the past.
✨Craft Your Story
This role is all about strategic storytelling. Prepare a narrative that showcases your experience in building performance frameworks and leading teams. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to translate data into actionable insights.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You'll need to influence senior leadership, so practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Think about how you can demonstrate your understanding of their needs and how your insights can help them make informed decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Since you'll be managing Senior Performance Managers, be prepared to discuss your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've coached teams to success and fostered a culture of continuous improvement and data literacy.
