WELLCOME TRUST: Programmatic Excellence Lead

Salary: £90,900

Closing date: Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Contract type: Permanent

Interview dates: 1st stage w/c 23 February (online/remote); 2nd stage - Face to face

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships. We plan to spend £16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

Where in Wellcome will I be working?

Within the Strategy Department, the Organisational Planning team enables Wellcome to deliver its mission by aligning priorities, resources and delivery, specifically leading identification of organisational objectives, overseeing strategic resource allocation, embedding systematic performance and continuous learning, and strengthening programme and portfolio management.

What will I be doing?

Working within Organisational Planning in the Strategy Department, you’ll lead and embed fit‑for‑purpose programme management standards, champion shared learning and best practice, and ensure core tools are well used. You’ll coach and support colleagues to build capability and foster a community of practice that strengthens delivery across Wellcome’s strategic programmes.

As a Programmatic Excellence Lead, you will:

• Set programme management standards - Develop and maintain clear, consistent guidance and tools that support effective delivery and promote One Wellcome ways of working.
• Build capability and community - Provide training, coaching and create a community of practice to share learning, solve challenges and support professional growth.
• Maintain portfolio oversight - Keep a forward view of major cross-organisational programmes to identify sequencing, resource needs and interdependencies, informing planning and prioritisation.
• Embed continuous learning - Advise on integrated reporting and ensure lessons learned are captured and applied to future planning and delivery.
• Collaborate across Wellcome - Work closely with Strategy, Operations and other teams to align approaches and contribute to an inclusive, high-performing culture.
• Champion governance and adaptability - Operate within Wellcome’s policies, values and budget, and remain flexible to evolving priorities to help deliver Wellcome’s mission.

Is this job for me?

You’ll thrive in this role if you bring deep experience in programme and project management, with the ability to tailor best practice to different contexts and embed practical frameworks that drive impact. Strong collaboration, communication and relationship-building skills are essential, alongside a proactive, adaptable approach and a passion for Wellcome’s mission. Professional qualifications in programme management and experience delivering complex, cross-organisational initiatives will help you succeed.

To apply for this role please submit an updated CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Minimum Criteria:

• Deep knowledge and significant experience of programme and project management best practice standards across multiple methodologies and disciplines, and tailoring them to different contexts.
• Ability to develop and sustainably embed practical frameworks, standards, tools and reporting approaches that are fit for purpose and meet the organisation’s needs.
• Experience delivering major, complex or cross-organisational programmes, ideally in a matrixed organisation with global reach.
• Proven experience in partnering closely with other teams to drive change, and strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in developing and implementing capacity-building initiatives to enhance organisational skills and capabilities.

Our Hybrid Way of Working

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best. At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone.