At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic growth in health programmes and enhance client relationships.
- Company: Palladium, a global consulting firm making a positive impact worldwide.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Drive meaningful change in global health while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in health systems and proven business development success.
The predicted salary is between 78750 - 96250 £ per year.
A senior leadership role focused on business growth, client engagement, portfolio oversight, and market expansion across donor-funded and domestic and international health programmes.
About Palladium
Operating in over 50 countries, Palladium is a global consulting and implementation company working in partnership with governments, businesses, investors, and communities to design and deliver solutions that create lasting positive impact. We address some of the world’s most complex challenges across infrastructure, economic growth and natural capital, health, energy, climate and environment, and digital transformation—strengthening systems, institutions, and markets to support inclusive and sustainable development.
Palladium is part of GISI’s global family of companies, which aims to create solutions for the world’s most complex challenges. With annual revenues of $14 billion, GISI’s approximately 15,000 employees are engaged in projects across 100 countries worldwide providing construction, program/project management, and engineering consulting services.
This Opportunity
Palladium’s UKEA Health Cluster is building on its position as one of the leading private sector providers of health systems strengthening and technical assistance services to donors across the UK and Europe. The Cluster is now focused on deepening its current portfolio with existing clients while expanding and diversifying its client base and service offer, building on recent growth and market success.
Palladium is seeking a Lead Director, International Development, Health (maternity cover) to provide strategic leadership to the team during this exciting period of growth and diversification, from December 2026/January 2027 through September 2027. The role will drive and refine the Cluster's market strategy, strengthen and expand client relationships, develop compelling market-facing offers in new domains, grow a high-quality pipeline of opportunities, and ensure excellence in delivery across the new portfolio.
The role builds directly on Palladium's established reputation as a trusted partner in health systems strengthening and global health and will work closely with colleagues across Palladium's Economic Growth, Climate & Environment, and Finance & Investment teams to deliver integrated solutions that address complex development and health challenges.
Location
The position will be based in Palladium’s London office. Please note that applicants must have the right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Palladium follows a hybrid working model, with three days in the office and two days remote.
Reporting Lines
The Lead Director will report to the Manager Director, UKEA. This role will directly manage 2-4 staff members and maintain oversight over the Health cluster.
Primary Responsibilities
- Practice strategy and leadership: Implement the strategic vision for the Health Cluster as per the existing “Protect & Evolve” Strategic Plan under Palladium UKEA’s regional strategy, and emerging global priorities. Work with the Health team to translate existing strengths in health systems strengthening, technical assistance, and global health security into new, coherent, and differentiated market offers. Position Palladium as a partner of choice in health for new government and private sector clients. Contribute as a senior member of the UKEA leadership team to wider organisational transformation and growth.
- Business development: Own and grow a strategic, diversified pipeline of new business opportunities. Lead bid strategies for major tenders, including opportunity shaping and positioning; commercial and pricing strategies; partnering strategies and leadership in pitching or bidding processes. Build and maintain senior-level client relationships, with new clients in particular. Keep abreast of emerging market trends and opportunities.
- Delivery oversight and quality assurance: Provide senior oversight of the Health portfolio to ensure technical excellence and impact, strong delivery and financial performance, and high client satisfaction. Act as programme director for selected programmes, as needed, during the period of maternity cover.
- Team leadership and management: Build and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team, drawing on Palladium’s global expertise and external partners. Clarify roles and accountabilities within the team; provide regular feedback to team members. Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, delivery excellence and wellbeing.
- Market positioning and thought leadership: Represent Palladium at senior external forums, such as conferences and events. Drive the development of thought leadership within practice focus areas. Contribute to Palladium’s global teams in relevant areas.
Essential Criteria
- Senior leadership and technical experience in health systems strengthening, with a strong preference for expertise in sexual reproductive health and rights, demographic transition, public financial management, and health financing.
- Proven success in winning work, particularly with new clients as part of diversification efforts.
- Experience overseeing large, complex programmes with multiple stakeholders, including FCDO.
- Strong existing network across the global health sector, including donors, global health institutions, foundations, pharmaceutical and health product companies.
Core Skills
- Strategic, systems-level thinker with strong commercial judgement.
- Credible with senior government, donor and partner decision makers.
- Able to communicate complex health issues clearly to technical and non-technical audience.
- Comfortable growing a practice area in a changing policy and funding environment.
- Strong people leader committed to performance and accountability.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early as the position may close once a suitable candidate is found. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics.
Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process (due to disability, neurodiversity, or for any other circumstance), please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.
Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.
Lead Director, International Development, Health (Maternity Cover) employer: Palladium: Make It Possible
Palladium is an exceptional employer that prioritises community impact and employee development, making it a rewarding place to work as a Community Employment Coach in Oxford or Didcot. With a strong focus on inclusivity and tailored support for job-seekers, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and fosters a supportive environment for both staff and the communities we serve.
Contact Details:
Palladium: Make It Possible Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Director, International Development, Health (Maternity Cover)
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Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
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We think you need these skills to ace Lead Director, International Development, Health (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Palladium: Make It Possible.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Palladium: Make It Possible.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Palladium: Make It Possible. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Palladium: Make It Possible. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Palladium: Make It Possible
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Palladium: Make It Possible’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
