At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of exceptional digital experiences that engage and inspire supporters.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leading charity dedicated to beating cancer.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a mission-driven organisation that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against cancer while shaping content and design strategies.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and driving user-centred design.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 81000 £ per year.
£75,000 - £81,000 per annum plus benefits
Reports to: Head of Digital
Directorate: Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Stratford, London Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)
Closing date: 16 November 2026 23:55
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Recruitment process: 2 stage competency-based interview including a case study at final stage
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. This is an exciting newly created role at Cancer Research UK, offering a unique opportunity to shape how content and design come together to create exceptional supporter experiences across our digital channels.
As our Principal Content and Design Experience Lead, you'll play a key role in defining the future direction of our content and design capabilities, bringing together expertise across content strategy, content operations, UX, UI, service design and taxonomy. You'll help ensure these disciplines work seamlessly together to deliver accessible, engaging and data-informed experiences that strengthen relationships with our supporters, including donors, fundraisers, campaigners and volunteers.
Working at both a strategic and organisational level, you'll establish the frameworks, standards and ways of working that enable content and design teams to thrive. You'll be responsible for driving a culture of continuous improvement, using audience insight, user research, analytics and experimentation to improve the quality, effectiveness and findability of our content and digital experiences.
You'll also play a key role in supporting CRUK's wider transformation ambitions, helping evolve how we create, manage and optimise content at scale, while ensuring our content and design practices remain user-centred, accessible and fit for the future. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact by influencing how content and design support Cancer Research UK's mission, helping us build deeper, longer-lasting relationships with supporters and ultimately accelerate progress towards a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
What will I be doing?
- Defining the strategic direction for CRUK's content and design capability, ensuring it is future-focused, user-centred and aligned to organisational goals.
- Leading and developing a high-performing team through the Senior Manager, Design and Content Delivery Lead, fostering a collaborative culture and shared ways of working.
- Owning the operating model, governance and prioritisation approach for the function, ensuring clear decision-making, effective resource planning and delivery excellence.
- Driving CRUK's content optimisation strategy, using audience insight, analytics, search, experimentation and user research to improve the quality, findability and effectiveness of content.
- Championing accessibility, user-centred design and content best practice across the organisation.
- Overseeing key transformation initiatives, including content platform and CMS developments, while managing supplier relationships, budgets and associated risks.
- Ensuring content and design teams have the right skills, capacity and structures in place to deliver against current and future organisational needs.
- Building strong partnerships across Digital, Data, Insights and other stakeholder groups to maximise organisational impact.
What are we looking for?
- Significant experience leading multidisciplinary content, design and user experience teams, including managing senior leaders and managers.
- Translating strategic vision into successful delivery through a strong track record of developing and delivering content and digital experience strategies that drive measurable user and organisational outcomes.
- Expertise in one or more content or design disciplines, alongside a broad understanding of UX, UI, service design, content operations, accessibility and taxonomy.
- Specific knowledge of CMS, DAM and design systems, and of end-to-end supporter journeys.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build alignment and drive change across complex organisations.
- Strong people leadership experience, creating inclusive, high-performing teams and developing future talent.
- Experience managing budgets, suppliers, contracts and organisational risk.
- An understanding of emerging technologies, including AI and automation, and how they can enhance content and design operations.
- A passion for creating exceptional user experiences and a commitment to Cancer Research UK's vision of bringing about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.
- Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
- Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
- Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
- Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.
You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.
Please note that applications can’t be edited once submitted.
Owing to the nature of this position, any offer of employment for this role will be subject to a satisfactory basic DBS check.
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
Principal Content and Design Experience Lead employer: CANCER RESEARCH UK
Cancer Research UK is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values community impact and personal growth. As a Part-Time Store Lead in East Dereham, you will not only contribute to vital fundraising efforts but also enjoy opportunities for professional development within a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in the fight against cancer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Content and Design Experience Lead
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for CANCER RESEARCH UK and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like CANCER RESEARCH UK are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with CANCER RESEARCH UK on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Content and Design Experience Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit CANCER RESEARCH UK. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of CANCER RESEARCH UK:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about CANCER RESEARCH UK’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CANCER RESEARCH UK
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at CANCER RESEARCH UK will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At CANCER RESEARCH UK, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
