At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to shape the UK's position in global life sciences.
- 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.
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
As a leading department within the UK government, DSIT offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises flexibility, collaboration, and innovation. Employees benefit from a culture that champions diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for professional growth through leadership roles and cross-departmental initiatives. With locations across major cities like London, Cardiff, and Edinburgh, team members can enjoy a dynamic work-life balance while contributing to impactful projects that shape the future of technology and economic growth in the UK.
Contact Details:
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of the Office for Life Sciences
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of the Office for Life Sciences
Some tips for your application 🫡
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