At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Quantum Technology Programme, shaping strategy and driving impactful initiatives.
- Company: Join Innovate UK, a leader in research and innovation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: This role offers significant career growth and the chance to influence national priorities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in quantum technology while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in complex programmes and experience with senior stakeholders required.
The predicted salary is between 86731 - 86731 £ per year.
This is the Internal Only Recruitment Site for UK Research and Innovation Staff for roles within Innovate UK (UKRI). Please apply for jobs via this site only if you are employed by UK Research and Innovation. If you wish to apply for the position below, please ensure that you comply with the requirements of the recruitment process by submitting both a full CV and application letter. Ideally, you should also advise your manager of your application.
Applications must be submitted by 24-08-2026. The Deputy Director is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping strategy, driving delivery, and ensuring successful outcomes across a portfolio of programmes and activities.
Innovate UK recognises the importance of work-life balance and we will be happy to discuss any requests for flexible working arrangements.
We are seeking to appoint a Deputy Director for the Quantum Technology Programme. The national quantum missions programme is one of the most significant programmes in DSIT’s accountability. It covers an initial £1bn programme of research and innovation leading into a £1bn government procurement. The programme has exceptional levels of political visibility within DSIT. The current team and management structure cannot deliver this scale and novelty of programme and IUK is under direct DSIT pressure to develop the team urgently.
This role will be accountable for translating Innovate UK’s Quantum strategy into a deliverable, high-performing portfolio of programmes including with novel products and services and new working arrangements within UKRI. The role operates at senior leadership level, balancing strategic influence with operational accountability for programme performance, capability development, and stakeholder alignment.
The role holder will operate within the Digital and Technologies Directorate. This role provides strategic leadership across a defined portfolio of activity, supporting organisational priorities and contributing to the delivery of wider corporate objectives.
The role holder is responsible for leading a team of approximately around 12 people via 2 band G Heads of.
Job Purpose: The Deputy Director is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping strategy, driving delivery, and ensuring successful outcomes across a portfolio of programmes and activities. Working collaboratively across internal teams and with external stakeholders, the role holder will bring strategic insight, leadership, and operational oversight to influence and deliver impactful initiatives.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
- Strategy and Leadership: Develop and contribute to organisational and directorate-level strategies, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Influence: Act as a senior Innovate UK representative for the Quantum programme and wider quantum ecosystem.
- Programme and Portfolio Delivery: Oversee delivery of programmes to agreed cost, quality, and time requirements.
- Collaboration and Integration: Work collaboratively across teams and functions to ensure alignment and effective delivery.
- People Leadership: Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team in a politically visible environment.
- Financial Accountability: Hold accountability for budget planning, management, and delivery.
- Governance and Representation: Deputise for the Director / Executive Director as required.
Person Specification:
- Experience & Qualifications: Be recognised as an influential leader across the government, industry and partners Quantum Technology ecosystem.
- Proven track record of developing and delivering strategy and complex innovation/business growth programmes.
- Experience of working with senior stakeholders across multiple organisations.
- Strong track record of delivering complex programmes to quality and time.
- Experience operating at Board or Executive level (or equivalent).
- Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience); postgraduate qualification desirable.
Travel Requirements: Swindon-based: There may be the occasional requirement for national travel.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Innovate UK is a diverse workforce of people. We believe that encouraging these differences and drawing the best from them will build a productive environment in which everyone feels valued.
Employee Benefits: We offer a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance. This includes 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege days, flexible working hours, and access to a variety of support networks and discount schemes.
Deputy Director of Quantum in Swindon employer: Innovate UK
Innovate UK is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and transformation, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact the organisation's strategic direction. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional development, all while working in a flexible field-based role with the support of a collaborative team. Located near Swindon, you can enjoy a balance of remote work and occasional office engagement, making it an ideal environment for those looking to drive meaningful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director of Quantum in Swindon
✨Leverage Innovation Hubs
Tap into local innovation hubs and research centres. These places often host events and workshops where you can meet like-minded people and industry leaders. Plus, they might have job openings that aren't widely advertised, so keep your ears open!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Turn your past innovation projects into compelling stories. Create a portfolio showcasing your creativity and problem-solving skills. This can give hiring managers a real flavour of what you can bring to the table at companies like Innovate UK.
✨Connect at Industry Conferences
Make it a point to attend industry conferences and seminars focused on R&D and innovation management. These events are fantastic for networking and often have job boards or career fairs where you can connect directly with firms looking for talent.
✨Use Your University’s Resources
If you're fresh out of university, don't forget to tap into your institution's career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies seeking new talent in R&D, especially for full-time roles. It's a good shortcut to landing a gig at places like Innovate UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director of Quantum in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Creative Thinking:In innovation and R&D management, it's all about thinking outside the box. Make sure your CV highlights any projects or experiences that showcase your creative problem-solving skills. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've developed and implemented innovative ideas in previous roles.
Tailor Your Experience to R&D:When you're crafting your CV, focus on your experience in research and development. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, including methodologies used and results achieved. This will show us at Innovate UK that you understand the R&D process and can contribute meaningfully to our projects.
Let Your Passion Shine in the Cover Letter:For a full-time role like this, your cover letter should reflect your genuine passion for innovation and development. Share your excitement about the opportunity to work at Innovate UK and touch on how your goals align with our mission. This helps us see your motivation for wanting to join our team!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in R&D! Whenever possible, quantify your achievements in your CV. Whether it’s a percentage improvement in project outcomes, the budget size you’ve managed, or the number of successful products you've launched, these figures will help paint a clearer picture of your impact and capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate UK
✨Show Off Your Innovative Thinking
In an Innovation R&D Management role at Innovate UK, they're going to want to see how you approach problem-solving. Be ready to discuss previous projects where you introduced a new idea or process. Highlight your ability to think outside the box and provide examples where your innovations drove significant results.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Technologies
Make sure you're clued up on the latest tools and technologies related to innovation management, such as project management software and data analysis platforms. Being able to discuss specific tools you’ve used or have experience with will show Innovate UK that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this is a full-time gig, emphasising your teamwork skills will be essential. In innovation, collaboration often sparks the best ideas, so be ready to talk about how you've worked effectively within cross-functional teams in your past roles. Have concrete examples at the ready!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions in your interview that reflect real challenges you might face in the role. £At Innovate UK, they might want to see how you handle tight deadlines or manage conflicting ideas within a team. Prepare some responses that demonstrate your critical thinking and decisiveness in high-pressure situations.
