Head of Strategy and Planning

The Academy of Medical Sciences – an independent, expert voice of biomedical and health research in the UK – is looking for a Head of Strategy and Planning to develop and maintain the Academy’s strategic framework and planning processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and stewardship of a bold, coherent strategy that positions AMS as an influential voice across both UK and global medical science.
• Design and embed organisation‑wide strategic and business planning processes, enabling clear prioritisation, coordinated action and disciplined alignment across all directorates.
• Build and nurture influential partnerships across the entire health, science, research and innovation ecosystem, including government, funders, industry, academia, learned societies, the NHS, international bodies and philanthropic organisations.
• Maintain a deep, organisation‑wide understanding of the Academy’s stakeholder landscape, ensuring strategic clarity about who our key partners are, what they value, and how AMS can work with them most effectively.
• Oversee all governance functions for the Academy, ensuring that Council and its committees are supported to operate effectively, efficiently and strategically.
• Ensure the right business goes to Council at the right time, leading your team to manage forward plans, agenda setting, and the sequencing of decisions so that governance bodies can provide true strategic oversight.
• Lead a high‑performing planning function that provides cross‑Academy visibility, assurance and coordination of major strategic programmes.
• Build strategic relationships with current and potential funders, identifying where aligned investment can accelerate AMS’s mission and shared system goals.
• Secure funding, shaping compelling, strategic propositions that reflect both organisational priorities and funder interests.
• Lead and develop your team, ensuring strategic planning, international insight, planning, governance support and the CEO’s office operate as a cohesive, high‑performing unit.

Skills and Experience

• Strategic leader with substantial experience setting organisational direction and running effective strategic and business planning.
• Proven ability to build influential external partnerships across government, funders, industry, academia, NHS bodies and international organisations, acting as a credible ambassador and convener.
• Skilled at governance and decision‑making support, including shaping agendas, preparing high‑quality papers and enabling effective Board/committee oversight.
• Strong analytical judgement, able to synthesise complex evidence, assess risk and present clear strategic options.
• Experience overseeing planning or programme functions, ensuring aligned, well‑sequenced and risk‑managed delivery.
• Financially literate, with the ability to align resources with strategic priorities and engage funders.
• Excellent communicator and collaborator, able to influence senior leaders and lead high‑performing teams.
• Generous pension scheme with flexible contributions – we contribute between 8% - 13% of your gross salary (with employee contributions of 3% - 8%).
• Life assurance at three times your salary.
• Hybrid and agile working. 50% office attendance.
• 26 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure days and bank holidays.
• Buying and selling leave.
• Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to a qualifying period).
• Complimentary subscriptions to Headspace and Classpass to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
• Support through tailored learning and development.
• A range of enhanced benefits become available once you’ve completed your probation period.

Salary

£84,080 per annum.

Contract and Hours

Permanent, Full Time.

Location

Hybrid/London W1B 1QH (50% office attendance).