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- Tasks: Lead the delivery of the Life Sciences Sector Plan and drive innovation in healthcare.
- Company: Join a pivotal government office shaping the future of life sciences in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to influence national health policy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in health outcomes and economic growth through strategic leadership.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and experience in health, science, or industry collaboration.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to shape the UK's position in global life sciences.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: London, Manchester and Birmingham
The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) is a trilateral unit working across the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and, since July 2025, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). It plays a central role in delivering the UK Government’s ambition to be a global leader in life sciences, one of the eight priority Industrial Strategy sectors—driving economic growth, improving health outcomes, and ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of scientific innovation. OLS works at the intersection of health, science, and industry, shaping policy and delivery.
This is being readvertised as a result of unforeseen changes in the availability of the original appointee. As Director of OLS, you will lead the cross-government delivery of the recently published Life Sciences Sector Plan, part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy. You will also have responsibilities stemming from the innovation aspects of the recently published 10 Year Health Plan.
This is a delivery-focused role at the heart of government, translating strategic commitments into real-world impact—accelerating innovation into the NHS, unlocking investment, driving the reform of regulation, and supporting the UK’s thriving life sciences ecosystem.
Working closely with the Executive Chair for the Office for Life Sciences who will lead on international and media engagement, you will be responsible for ensuring the UK is on track to be the third most important life sciences economy globally by 2035. The role requires a strategic, collaborative, and delivery-minded leader who can navigate complexity, build coalitions, and maintain momentum in a fast-moving and high-profile environment.
You will need to broker strong partnerships with a wide range of pharma and med tech companies, as well as securing significant high-value manufacturing and R.
Director of the Office for Life Sciences employer: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Contact Detail:
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of the Office for Life Sciences
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the life sciences sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in life sciences. Understand the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector, especially those related to the UK Government’s ambitions. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion during interviews, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a potential Director, it’s crucial to highlight your experience in driving projects and leading teams. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you’ve successfully navigated complex situations and delivered results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the life sciences field. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you’ll be one step closer to landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of the Office for Life Sciences
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of OLS role. Highlight your experience in life sciences, policy delivery, and strategic leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission to drive innovation and economic growth.
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your previous roles, focus on the tangible outcomes you achieved. Use metrics and examples to illustrate how you've driven change and made a difference in your past positions. We love seeing how you've translated strategy into real-world results!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your key messages stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your qualifications and vision for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest developments in life sciences and the specific goals of the Office for Life Sciences. Brush up on the Life Sciences Sector Plan and the 10 Year Health Plan, as these will be key talking points during your interview.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and collaborate effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated complex situations or built strong partnerships within the industry.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle real-world challenges in this role. Think about potential scenarios related to innovation in the NHS or regulatory reforms, and outline your strategic approach to tackling them.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions—engage in a dialogue. Show your enthusiasm for the role and the mission of the OLS. Ask insightful questions about their current projects and how you can contribute to their vision for the future of life sciences in the UK.
