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 to drive change in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a global impact while shaping data-driven decision-making.
- Qualifications: Experience in performance frameworks and strong leadership skills.
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 in Stratford-upon-Avon 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 in Stratford-upon-Avon
✨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 your storytelling skills. You’ll want to showcase your experience in performance frameworks and data insights clearly. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that excite you, like the Portfolio Performance Lead at Cancer Research UK. We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process and better visibility.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. We believe showing appreciation goes a long way in making a lasting impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Performance Lead Job in UK 2026 | Cancer Research UK in Stratford-upon-Avon
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 a team of 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 seeing how you’ve made 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 for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be part of our streamlined process. Plus, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 requires strategic storytelling. Prepare a narrative that showcases your experience in building performance frameworks and leading teams. Think about how you can translate your past successes into insights that resonate with senior leadership.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You'll need to influence stakeholders at all levels. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Consider potential questions they might have and prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your understanding of their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Since you'll be managing Senior Performance Managers, highlight your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've coached teams to achieve high performance and fostered a culture of continuous improvement. This will show you're not just a numbers person but also a people person.
