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- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and drive organisational change in higher education.
- Company: Join Research England, part of UK Research and Innovation, shaping the future of research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 30 days leave, and access to a pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK research landscape and influence key sector-wide initiatives.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in shaping organisational strategy and navigating complex governance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
LOCATION: Bristol (with flexible / hybrid working options)
CONTRACT TYPE: Open Ended (permanent)
HOURS: Full Time
CLOSING DATE: 22 February 26
ABOUT RESEARCH ENGLAND
Research England, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), funds and supports research and knowledge exchange in English higher education institutions. We help create the conditions for a strong, globally competitive research and innovation system that benefits the economy, society, and the public.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This new senior leadership role strengthens Research England’s strategic capability and positions the organisation for the future. It leads high-priority projects responding to challenges facing English higher education and drives organisational change in line with UKRI strategy, including integrating new responsibilities into Research England’s governance and operating models. As Chief of Strategy, you will work with the Executive Chair, Council, and Senior Leadership Team to define and embed Research England’s long-term direction while supporting key sector-wide initiatives. This role is not only about setting vision but shaping the system, aligning internal and external priorities, and enabling strategic delivery at scale.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership and Organisational Direction: Lead the development and delivery of Research England’s long-term strategy, aligned with UKRI. Shape organisational direction to ensure agility, foresight, and long-term impact.
- Execution and Organisational Alignment: Coordinate strategy across directorates to align intent with delivery. Remove barriers to progress and ensure clear, consistent decision-making.
- Strategic Insight, Evidence and Foresight: Build strategic insight capability using data, research, and foresight to inform decisions and funding strategies. Lead horizon scanning, scenario planning, and impact evaluation.
- Data and Evidence Strategy: Strengthen the organisation’s ability to generate, analyse, and apply data and evidence for strategy, investment, and policy. Integrate data and evidence functions to improve coordination, governance, and impact reporting, including through external partnerships.
- External Influence and System Engagement: Deputise for the Executive Chair and represent Research England at senior levels across UKRI, government, and the sector. Build influential relationships to align organisational and system priorities.
- Leadership Support and Delegated Authority: Represent Research England in senior forums under delegated authority. Oversee cross-organisational priority projects, enabling the Executive Chair to focus on system leadership.
Person Specification
Experience and Knowledge: Proven ability to shape and deliver organisational strategy, ideally with system-wide transformation experience. Executive-level responsibility for organisational change, including work within complex governance structures. Experience using data, evidence, and insights to improve system performance and reporting. Strong understanding of the UK research and innovation system, including funding, policy, and public value. In-depth knowledge of sector challenges and of Research England’s role, priorities, and programmes. Senior expertise in university finance, administration, and research management, including REF and sector data use.
Skills and Capabilities: Exceptional strategic thinker able to navigate complexity and create clear direction. Strong relationship-builder with senior leaders across government, academia, and funding bodies.
Leadership Style and Attributes: Leads through influence and shared purpose, empowers others, and adapts confidently in complex, evolving environments.
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: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Chief of Strategy in Bristol employer: Research England
Contact Detail:
Research England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief of Strategy in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Research England or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's current projects and challenges. Show us that you understand their mission and how you can contribute to their strategic goals. Tailor your examples to highlight your relevant experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to clearly articulate your vision and how it aligns with Research England’s objectives. Keep it concise but impactful – we want to hear your passion for shaping the future of higher education.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the research landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief of Strategy in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Chief of Strategy role. Highlight your experience in shaping and delivering organisational strategy, and don’t forget to mention any relevant system-wide transformation projects you've led.
Showcase Your Strategic Insight: We want to see how you use data and evidence to inform decisions. Include examples of how you've built strategic insight capabilities in your previous roles, especially if it involved horizon scanning or impact evaluation.
Highlight Relationship-Building Skills: As this role involves engaging with senior leaders across various sectors, make sure to emphasise your relationship-building skills. Share instances where you've successfully collaborated with government, academia, or funding bodies to achieve common goals.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Research England.
How to prepare for a job interview at Research England
✨Know Your Strategy Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Research England's current strategies and initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their long-term goals and how they align with UKRI's vision. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience can contribute to their strategic direction.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Chief of Strategy, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight how you've led through influence and empowered teams in complex environments. Be ready to discuss specific instances where your strategic thinking has driven organisational change.
✨Demonstrate Data Savvy
Given the emphasis on data and evidence in this role, come prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions in previous positions. Bring examples of how you've integrated data into strategy development and how it has improved performance or reporting.
✨Build Relationships Before You Even Start
Networking is key in this role. Research who you might be working with and their backgrounds. If possible, reach out to them on LinkedIn or other platforms to introduce yourself. This proactive approach can help you build rapport and demonstrate your relationship-building skills right from the start.
