At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic programme to raise cancer awareness in workplaces across the UK.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leading charity dedicated to beating cancer.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in health awareness while working with diverse teams and partners.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing health programmes and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 56000 € per year.
Salary: £52,000-56,000 per annum
Reports to: Head of Health Community Engagement
Directorate: Policy, Information & Communications
Contract: 12-months fixed term (maternity cover)
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
Location: London office-based (Stratford) with high flexibility (1-2 days in the office)
We are open to flexible working options. If you would like to discuss this, please get in touch.
External closing date: Wednesday 20 May 2026, 23:55
Internal closing date: Monday 25 May 2026, 23:55
Interview dates: Provisionally 3rd-4th June & 8th-10th June
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 fully complete the application questions and work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.
If you require adjustments as part of a reasonable adjustments request please contact as soon as possible.
Are you a strong strategic leader with experience of managing large programmes to raise cancer awareness and improving health? If so, we have an excellent opportunity for you to apply your skills and experience to lead an ambitious programme of work to help us beat cancer sooner. We're looking for a talented individual to lead our Cancer Awareness in the Workplace (CAW) programme to engage corporate partners and clients and reach their workforces with relevant, accessible and inclusive health information.
At Cancer Research UK we want to accelerate progress in beating cancer and we need the best people to do this. In the Policy, Information & Communications directorate, we influence and empower people, healthcare professionals and key opinion leaders to prevent more cancers, diagnose the disease earlier and help patients access the best treatments.
About the team
The Health Community Engagement team plays a key part in this, working on the ground through trained nurses, skilled trainers and brilliant volunteers to reach the public with key health messages and help them to take positive action. The CAW programme in the team promotes cancer awareness and the prevention and earlier diagnosis of cancer among workforces, focusing on our target audiences. We work with over 30 different corporate partners and clients each year.
What will I be doing?
- As Senior Health Community Engagement Manager, you'll be responsible for strategic oversight and management of the CAW programme to deliver the greatest possible reach and impact across the UK.
- Line manage the CAW Managers and Nurse Manager to ensure the smooth day-to-day running and ongoing development of the CAW programme - with adherence to agreed policies and practices.
- Shape the strategic direction of the programme, always looking to innovate and adapt to the evolving landscape and to remain agile to new opportunities to grow reach and impact in a sustainable way.
- Engage stakeholders at all levels internally and externally to identify and deliver impactful partnership working opportunities and inform strategic decision making.
- Effective joint working with internal teams to prioritise and optimise activity, and leverage wider opportunities for the charity in line with shared objectives.
- Oversee evaluation of the programme and take an evidence and insight-based agile approach to test new approaches, products and channels to maximise the reach and impact of the programme, particularly among C2DE audiences.
- Responsible for overseeing the CAW team budget and lead on the development, delivery and reporting of the team's operational plans in line with strategic priorities.
- Work with the other Senior Managers and the Head to provide strong leadership across all the HCE team, drive cross-team initiatives, and ensure effective ways of working and aligned practices.
- As part of the HCE Leadership team, contribute to the overall strategy for delivering cancer awareness activity across the UK in areas of greatest need, and pursuing opportunities to work in partnership to increase reach, coverage and impact.
- Act as an authority in workplace health in a range of forums across CRUK and externally, and draw on external networks and knowledge to nurture fresh ideas and innovate.
What skills are we looking for?
- Significant experience and expertise in leading large health-related programmes of work with external partners.
- Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to lead and develop a diverse team.
- Strong relationship building, communication and stakeholder management skills; able to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Excellent decision-making skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity, focus on priorities, weigh up considerations and make clear and sound business decisions.
- Strategic thinker, with the ability to explore and identify opportunities, focus on what's important, foster a test and learn culture, and embed new approaches into practice.
- Commercial mindset with the ability to develop business models, manage budgets, define pricing models, articulate return on investment and drive efficiencies.
- Strong analytical skills with a sound understanding of evaluation and research methods.
- The ability to lead through ambiguity, foster agile ways of working, and seek solutions to challenges.
- Commitment to and good understanding of delivering inclusive and accessible cancer awareness programmes to audiences who are impacted by health inequalities.
The Health Community Engagement team has an ambitious programme of work to reach and benefit thousands of people across the UK, particularly those in greatest need. If you have these skills and experience, and the passion and determination to make a difference, then we'd love to hear from you.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do:
- Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
- Credible: Act with rigor and professionalism
- Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
- Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We're looking for people who can embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer. There's a place for everyone at Cancer Research UK. Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented, and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to beat cancer sooner.
Internal Eligibility criteria
Internal candidates should ideally have completed their 6-month 'getting started' period before applying for other roles. You should also advise your current line manager at the point you make an internal application, or at the latest, at the point of being invited for an interview. All internal candidates applying for a secondment must have:
- completed their getting started period
- discussed their intention to apply and gained approval to apply with their line manager
- been in their substantive (home) role for at least 6 months (this is only applicable if you have previously been on secondment)
If you do not confirm that you meet these requirements, we will not be able to progress your application.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports wellbeing and provides a generous benefits package, and a wide range of career and personal development opportunities. You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
Senior Health Community Engagement Manager employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. Our London-based team enjoys flexible working arrangements, a comprehensive benefits package, and the opportunity to lead impactful health initiatives that make a real difference in communities. Join us in our mission to beat cancer sooner while growing your career in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Health Community Engagement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its values, especially around cancer awareness and community engagement. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership skills and how you've successfully managed health-related programmes in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in cancer awareness.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Health Community Engagement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When filling out your application, let your true self shine through! We want to see your personality and passion for health community engagement. Don’t just list your skills; share stories that highlight your experience and how it aligns with our mission.
Tailor Your Responses:Make sure to tailor your answers to the specific role of Senior Health Community Engagement Manager. Highlight your strategic leadership experience and how you've successfully managed large programmes in the past. This will show us you’re the right fit for the job!
Showcase Your Impact:We love seeing measurable outcomes! When discussing your work history, focus on the impact you’ve made in previous roles. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve raised awareness or improved health outcomes in your community.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered fairly. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so you can get your application in without any hassle.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Cancer Awareness in the Workplace programme. Familiarise yourself with its goals, target audiences, and recent initiatives. This will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and show how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and management experience. Think about times when you've successfully led a diverse team or managed large health-related programmes. Be ready to discuss how you navigated challenges and drove results, as this role requires strong leadership capabilities.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Since the role involves engaging stakeholders at all levels, come prepared with examples of how you've built relationships and influenced decision-making in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and ability to work collaboratively, as these are key to succeeding in this position.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Mindset
Be ready to discuss your analytical skills and understanding of evaluation methods. Prepare to talk about how you've used data to inform decisions and improve programme outcomes. This will show that you can take an evidence-based approach to maximise the impact of the CAW programme.
