At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects to transform cancer patient information services and engage communities.
- 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 diverse team committed to inclusivity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against cancer while developing your skills in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in innovation projects and strong service design skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 58000 - 64300 € per year.
Bigger picture thinking. Community values. Trustworthy peers.
£58,000 - £64,300 plus benefits
Reports to: Head of Cancer Patient Information Services
Grade: M2
Directorate: Policy, Information and Communications
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). We are open to flexible working options. If you would like to discuss this, please get in touch.
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.
Closing date: 31 May 2026, 23:55. Please do not delay applying as we will be shortlisting on application as we are looking to urgently fill this role.
How do I apply? We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are 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 work history section and the application questions of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively. If you require more time to apply as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk as soon as possible.
Recruitment process: 2 stage, 1st stage competency questions, 2nd stage presentation and competency questions. Interview date: We will be shortlisting and interviewing on application.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That’s why we’re looking for someone talented, someone who wants to develop their skills, someone like you.
About the Service Development Unit and Cancer Patient Information Services: We’re creating a brand new Service Development Unit to innovate within our Cancer Patient Information Services team, and you’ll be the leader who brings it to life. This new innovation team will help us rethink the ways we reach and engage people with our information services in the AI era. Working to test and learn through a series of agile sprints, the team will also explore how we personalise and tailor the journeys we take people on across channels. The overall aim of the unit is to reach more people and create experiences that deepen the value and impact we offer.
The wider Cancer Patient Information Services team the Unit sits within includes our sector leading cancer information content delivered through our website About Cancer | Cancer Research UK, our nurse led helpline Cancer Research UK and our online peer support community Cancer Chat Cancer Chat | Cancer Research UK.
About the role: In this role, you’ll lead a team shaping and delivering innovative prototypes and experiments, that transform how people discover and experience our information services. You’ll use design thinking and agile ways of working to deliver creative, user-centred ideas at pace. Working side by side with our Information Services teams and fundraising colleagues, you’ll help us build personalised journeys for our audiences and explore new, AI informed ways of reaching and supporting people. You’ll lead a small team including service design, content design and a patient information specialist. You will also facilitate how the team works with a collaborative network of colleagues across CRUK — all passionate about making a real, lasting difference.
What you’ll do:
- Lead innovation and service development
- Build a model that lets us experiment and test our way to genuinely new approaches to reaching and engaging people living with cancer
- Lead a small multidisciplinary team of content, service design and cancer experts.
- Build an agile, sprint‑based model that champions experimentation and continuous learning.
- Drive idea generation, prototyping and testing using design‑thinking methods.
- Co-develop a strategic roadmap with our Fundraising Proposition and innovation teams, focusing on personalised, “information seeker to supporter” journeys.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues within Information Services and across CRUK to test and model new omni-channel approaches.
- Ensure our work aligns with CRUK’s wider strategy and impact framework.
- Support strategic planning around a diversified channel approach to delivering our information services.
Collaborate and influence:
- Build strong, trusting partnerships across CRUK — from frontline teams to senior leaders.
- Embed agile, matrix working practices with digital, content, innovation and fundraising teams.
- Work closely with our Patient Information and Digital Specialist teams to ensure coherence across our content estate.
- Bring fresh thinking into CRUK by connecting with external partners and the wider innovation community.
- Communicate complex ideas in simple, accessible language and help shape business cases for future investment.
Champion insight‑driven practice:
- Use design‑thinking to deeply understand user needs and turn them into meaningful solutions.
- Ensure every project is grounded in evidence, powered by data and evaluated through clear KPIs.
- Partner with insight and analytics teams to learn, iterate and identify what to scale — and what to stop.
What you’ll bring:
- Experience delivering innovation projects from idea through to launch, ideally in a charity, health or public sector setting.
- Strong service design skills and familiarity with behavioural insights and rapid‑innovation techniques.
- A solid understanding of agile methodologies, including running sprints and prototyping cycles.
- Up‑to‑date knowledge of AI and a keen interest in applying AI tools to content or digital services.
- Confidence using data to guide decisions and measure impact.
- Excellent stakeholder management and the ability to influence across a complex organisation.
- A user‑first mindset and passion for involving people with lived experience.
- A strong strategic thinker, able to contribute to strategy development and strategic discussions.
Desirable: Experience in health or charity services; formal training in design thinking; experience setting up innovation labs.
Join us and help shape the future of how we support people affected by cancer. Together, we’ll go further — faster.
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.
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.
Additional information: For more information about working with us 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.
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.
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. We don’t expect everyone to meet all of the criteria listed. 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 by emailing us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
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.
Senior Service Innovation Lead 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 professional growth. As a Senior Service Innovation Lead based in Stratford, London, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative projects that make a real difference in the lives of cancer patients, all while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance your work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Service Innovation Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working at Cancer Research UK. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those competency questions! Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the job. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity during the presentation stage! Bring innovative ideas to the table that align with their mission. Remember, they’re looking for fresh thinking, so don’t hold back!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in cancer care.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Service Innovation Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and get familiar with our mission and values. Understanding what we stand for will help you tailor your application to show how you can contribute to our goals.
Be Authentic:When filling out the application form, be yourself! We want to see your personality shine through. Share your experiences and insights that align with the role of Senior Service Innovation Lead, and don’t hesitate to highlight your unique perspective.
Focus on the Questions:Make sure to fully complete the work history section and answer all application questions thoughtfully. This is your chance to showcase your skills and experiences relevant to innovation and service development, so take your time!
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We’re shortlisting as applications come in, so the sooner you apply, the better your chances. Plus, it gives you peace of mind knowing you’ve secured your spot in the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Before your interview, take some time to research Cancer Research UK and its mission. Familiarise yourself with their values and how they align with your own. This will help you articulate how your vision for service innovation can contribute to their overarching goals.
✨Showcase Your Agile Mindset
Be prepared to discuss your experience with agile methodologies and how you've successfully led innovation projects in the past. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to run sprints, prototype ideas, and adapt based on feedback. This will show that you're not just a thinker but a doer.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, highlight your stakeholder management skills. Share examples of how you've built strong partnerships in previous roles, especially in complex organisations. This will illustrate your ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
✨Bring Data-Driven Insights
Prepare to discuss how you've used data to guide decisions in your past projects. Be ready to explain how you measure impact and success, as well as how you incorporate user feedback into your work. This will demonstrate your commitment to evidence-based practice and user-centred design.
