Leadership Development Lead

Leadership Development Lead

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Francis Crick Institute Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape leadership capability and develop impactful programmes at the Francis Crick Institute.
  • Company: Join a leading scientific institute committed to diversity and innovation.
  • Benefits: Generous leave, health support, career development, and great perks.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in leadership development within a dynamic scientific environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in leadership development and strong facilitation skills required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

This is a full‑time, permanent role on Crick terms and conditions of employment. You will play a pivotal part in shaping leadership capability across the Francis Crick Institute. You will help the organisation understand what great leadership looks like at the Crick and ensure our leaders are equipped to succeed in a complex and evolving environment.

A key focus of the role will be understanding the unique context in which leadership operates at the Crick. You will take the time to understand the challenges, opportunities and realities faced by scientific leaders and managers. Using this insight, you will shape leadership development interventions that are relevant, evidence‑based and aligned to organisational needs. You will also play an important role in evaluating and strengthening our leadership culture by identifying themes, patterns and opportunities across the organisation, thereby supporting informed decision‑making and ensuring leadership development activity is focused where it can have the greatest impact.

It is a role that combines strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery. You will be comfortable facilitating a leadership programme, coaching a senior leader, analysing organisational challenges or shaping future leadership priorities.

About You

You are an experienced leadership development professional with the credibility, judgement and expertise to work effectively with senior leaders, managers and scientific experts. You understand that leadership development is not about delivering programmes in isolation; it is about understanding the organisation, identifying the factors that influence leadership effectiveness and creating practical solutions that enable people and teams to perform at their best.

Qualifications & Requirements

  • Substantial experience in leadership development.
  • Proven track record of achieving positive results through leadership development programmes and initiatives that align with current and future learning needs and long‑term strategic goals.
  • Credibility partnering and working with senior leaders and technical experts.
  • Strong programme design and facilitation capability.
  • Confidence working at pace and navigating ambiguity, with the ability to balance strategic vision with practical delivery.
  • Skilled in managing cross‑functional projects with measurable outcomes, using people data and insights to inform design and evaluate impact.
  • A credible leader and strategic partner, able to influence at all levels.

Benefits

  • Generous leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
  • Pension scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
  • Health and well‑being: 24/7 GP consultation services, occupational health services and mental health support programmes, eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
  • Work‑life balance: Back‑up care for dependents, childcare support allowance, annual leave purchase options.
  • Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike‑to‑work scheme and shopping discounts. Subsidised on‑site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
  • Career support: Post‑doc to PI programme and other career development activities.

The Francis Crick Institute is a charitable organisation committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities and experiences. We are a Disability Confident employer and will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate applicants with disabilities where necessary. The Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

Leadership Development Lead employer: Francis Crick Institute Ltd

The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises leadership development and employee well-being. With generous leave, comprehensive health benefits, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are supported in their professional growth while enjoying a collaborative culture that values innovation and teamwork. Located in a cutting-edge research facility, this role provides the unique opportunity to shape leadership capabilities within a scientific context, making a meaningful impact on the future of research and development.

Francis Crick Institute Ltd

Contact Details:

Francis Crick Institute Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Leadership Development Lead

Get Involved in Industry Events

Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!

Engage in Professional Networks

Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Francis Crick Institute Ltd.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Francis Crick Institute Ltd.

Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence

Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.

We think you need these skills to ace Leadership Development Lead

Leadership Development
Strategic Thinking
Programme Design
Facilitation Skills
Coaching
Analytical Skills
Cross-Functional Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!

Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Francis Crick Institute Ltd.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Francis Crick Institute Ltd. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!

Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!

How to prepare for a job interview at Francis Crick Institute Ltd

Showcase Your Leadership Style

You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Francis Crick Institute Ltd, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.

Brush Up on Management Theories

Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Francis Crick Institute Ltd, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.

Craft Your Vision for the Company

Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Francis Crick Institute Ltd could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.

Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture

In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Francis Crick Institute Ltd as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.