Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Clean Energy and Growth Programme, shaping strategies for net zero ambitions.
- Company: Join UK Research and Innovation, a leader in research and innovation funding.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 30 days annual leave, and access to a Civil Service pension.
- Other info: Collaborate with top experts across government, academia, and industry for meaningful outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's clean energy future and drive societal change.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in multidisciplinary programmes and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 74900 - 104000 ÂŁ per year.
BASE LOCATION: Swindon with travel to other locations
SALARY: ÂŁ94,931
CONTRACT TYPE: Open Ended (Permanent)
HOURS: Full or Part Time (Min 0.8 FTE)
CLOSING DATE: 29 March 2026 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications)
ABOUT UKRI
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) invests ÂŁ8bn a year in research and innovation as an independent public body. It brings together nine partnersâthe seven Research Councils, Innovate UK and Research Englandâto maintain the UK's global leadership in research and innovation. UKRI also gives the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology strategic advice on how funding should be balanced across research disciplines.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As Programme Director, Clean Energy and Growth, your systems perspective will shape UKRI's role in delivering the Government's Clean Energy Sector Plan and wider net zero ambitions. You will provide clear, authoritative insight into a complex and competitive field, enabling informed research and innovation investments that attract industry leverage and maximise economic and societal benefit.
Reporting to the Senior Responsible Owner, you will provide strategic leadership across UKRI to ensure coherent, high impact investments aligned with national priorities; work closely with other Programme Directors across Industrial Strategy sectors to shape crosscutting initiatives where environmental and engineering sciences intersect with digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, financial services and national security; and build trusted relationships across government, academia and industry, navigating diverse perspectives to deliver authoritative, evidence based decisions.
ABOUT YOU
You are an accomplished senior leader with credibility across research, innovation and the public sector, bringing substantial experience delivering major multidisciplinary programmes with clear accountability at Programme Director level. You are confident shaping programme strategy and securing approval from senior governance, with a strong record of designing delivery approaches for complex, interdependent, systemâwide programmes. You have hands on programme management experience, covering delivery model design, risk management, benefits realisation and governance, ensuring objectives, outputs and outcomes are achieved to time and cost. You excel at building relationships and working collaboratively with senior stakeholders across academia, government and industry, navigating conflicting views and securing inclusive, effective partnerships. You have a proven record of leading high performing teams, including matrixed and cross organisational groups, with an inclusive, transparent leadership style that unites colleagues around shared purpose and delivers robust outcomes at pace and scale.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead development and delivery of the Clean Energy and Growth Programme strategy with the SRO.
- Establish the Programme operating model and governance, including risk and benefits management.
- Be accountable for delivering agreed scope, outcomes and benefits.
- Lead external engagement and build partnerships across government, experts and industry in the netâzero R&I landscape.
- Manage the ÂŁ202m budget for 26/27â29/30, ensuring full compliance with UKRI processes.
- Maintain effective relationships with UKRI Councils, Executive Committee and Board.
- Broker collaboration across UKRI and external partners to strengthen the UK environmental science and engineering ecosystem and accelerate societal and economic impact.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
- Extensive leadership of large, multifaceted and cross organisational programmes, with a strong track record of driving coherence, alignment and impact.
- High credibility in the R&I community, supported by a PhD or equivalent experience and recognised expertise that secures senior stakeholder confidence.
- Strategic thinker able to turn long-term net zero priorities into rapid, systemwide plans that deliver measurable national outcomes.
- Proven ability to design and run effective governance, assurance and performance frameworks, including evaluation, risk management and stewardship of major public budgets.
- Strong senior level stakeholder networks and influence across complex environments, including government and industry.
- Deep understanding of the environmental and engineering innovation pipeline, from scientific and technological challenges to commercialisation and real-world impact.
INCENTIVES
UKRI can offer the successful candidate:
- Flexible Working
- 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays
- Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme
- Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider
Visit our dedicated benefits webpage for more info:
Programme Director for Clean Energy and Growth in Devizes employer: NERC
Contact Detail:
NERC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Programme Director for Clean Energy and Growth in Devizes
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the clean energy sector on LinkedIn or at industry events. Building connections can open doors and give you insider info about job opportunities.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching UKRI's current projects and initiatives. Show us that youâre not just interested in the role, but that you understand how you can contribute to their mission in clean energy and growth.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Programme Director role. Highlight your leadership skills and how you've successfully managed complex programmes in the past.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us youâre serious about joining the team at UKRI.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Director for Clean Energy and Growth in Devizes
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the Programme Director role. Use keywords from the job description to show weâre on the same page!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style in action! Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects, especially in complex environments. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. Less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to submit your application through our website! Itâs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youâre considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at NERC
â¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Clean Energy Sector Plan and UKRI's role in it. Brush up on recent developments in clean energy and innovation, as well as any relevant policies. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary programmes in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to building relationships with stakeholders and how you've navigated conflicting views to achieve results. Highlight your inclusive leadership style and how it has driven team success.
â¨Be Strategic
Think about how you can turn long-term net zero priorities into actionable plans. During the interview, share your thoughts on how to design effective governance and performance frameworks. This will showcase your strategic thinking and ability to deliver measurable outcomes.
â¨Engage with Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the role and UKRI's future initiatives. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals. Engaging in a two-way conversation can leave a lasting impression.