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- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships and drive major initiatives in cancer research.
- Company: Join a world-leading cancer research institute with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fantastic pension scheme, health services, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research and shape institutional strategies.
- Qualifications: Degree in a scientific discipline and senior-level experience in biomedical research.
- Other info: Work in a state-of-the-art £150 million research centre.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are currently looking for an Associate Director for Strategy and Partnerships within the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute. This is a highly visible role requiring strategic judgement, relationship leadership, negotiation at senior level, and delivery of complex institutional initiatives. As an Associate Director for Strategy and Partnerships you will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving to deliver an ambitious institutional strategy that strengthens CRUK MI’s partnerships, funding base, academic integration, and research positioning nationally and internationally.
About the role:
- Expand upon and enhance our existing strong, functional strategic relationships with The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, and Cancer Research UK centrally.
- Drive major cross-institutional initiatives including senior appointments, joint programmes, studentships, supervision models, and co-funded posts.
- Expand and diversify CRUK MI’s funding portfolio through proactive engagement with major funders including the Medical Research Council (MRC), international charities, philanthropic organisations and global funding bodies.
- Shape and operationalise CRUK MI’s research strategy in alignment with CRUK, University, and NHS partner priorities.
- Position CRUK MI as a leading international cancer research institute with strong translational integration.
About you:
You should be educated to degree level in a scientific discipline (or equivalent relevant experience) and have senior-level experience in biomedical research or a related field along with a strong understanding of the UK and international cancer research funding landscape. You will have significant experience in strategic partnership development within academic, research, charitable or health systems along with outstanding negotiation, influencing and relationship management skills. A PhD or MBA (or equivalent) in a relevant subject and/or a project management qualification would be desirable. Previous experience of working within or closely with CRUK, major UKRI funders, or large research charities would be an advantage.
What you will get in return:
- Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
- Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
- Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
Why choose Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute?
The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute is a world-leading centre for excellence in cancer research. The Institute is core funded by Cancer Research UK, the largest independent cancer research organisation in the world. In spring 2023 the Institute moved into a £150 million flagship purpose-built biomedical research centre directly attached to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, in South Manchester. We are partnered with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest cancer treatment centres in Europe. These factors combine to provide an exceptional environment in which to pursue basic, translational and clinical research programmes.
How to apply?
To apply for this position please visit our website. For any informal enquiries about this post, please contact Samra Turajlić: email: samra.turajlic@cruk.manchester.ac.uk
Closing date: Tuesday 26 May 2026. Please note this vacancy will close for applications at 18:00 hours on the closing date specified. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, nationality, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Associate Director for Strategy and Partnerships in Manchester employer: CRUK Manchester Institute
Contact Detail:
CRUK Manchester Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director for Strategy and Partnerships in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the cancer research field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute and its partnerships thoroughly. Knowing their recent projects and initiatives will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed relationships and partnerships in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your strategic judgement and leadership abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at CRUK MI.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director for Strategy and Partnerships in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic partnership development and negotiation. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive complex initiatives. Use metrics where possible to illustrate your impact – numbers speak volumes!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure your passion for cancer research shines through!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our institute there.
How to prepare for a job interview at CRUK Manchester Institute
✨Know Your Partnerships
Before the interview, dive deep into the existing partnerships of Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute. Understand their strategic relationships with The University of Manchester and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. Being able to discuss these partnerships and suggest ways to enhance them will show your strategic judgement and insight.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated at a senior level. Highlight how you influenced decisions and built relationships. This role requires outstanding negotiation skills, so demonstrating your ability to navigate complex discussions will be key.
✨Understand the Funding Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the UK and international cancer research funding landscape. Be ready to discuss how you would expand and diversify CRUK MI’s funding portfolio. Mention specific funders like the Medical Research Council and any relevant experiences you've had in securing funding.
✨Align with Institutional Strategy
Research CRUK MI’s current research strategy and its alignment with partner priorities. Be prepared to articulate how you can shape and operationalise this strategy. Showing that you understand the bigger picture and can contribute to institutional goals will set you apart.