At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research excellence and innovation across England's higher education institutions.
- Company: Join UK Research and Innovation, a key player in shaping the future of research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 30 days leave, and access to a Civil Service pension.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and influence in the higher education sector.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on research and knowledge exchange while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in research and innovation with strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 160000 - 170000 £ per year.
Salary: £160,000 - £170,000 (based on experience) plus an opportunity for performance related pay.
Contract: This role is offered on a permanent, open-ended basis. Whilst offered on a permanent basis, we would consider secondments. Should you wish to apply on a seconded basis please make this clear in your application.
Hours: Full time
Location: Bristol, Swindon or London. Please note, this role includes regular travel to sites across the UK and international travel on occasion.
Nature of appointment: This is a ministerial appointment made by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. The post-holder would be an office-holder and an employee of UKRI.
Availability: Successful candidate/s will be encouraged to take up their appointment as soon as possible, following the successful completion of pre-appointment checks and security clearance.
Closing date: Sunday 21st June 2026 at 23:55
About Research England
Research England is responsible for investing in research and knowledge exchange in higher education institutions across England. It shapes the conditions for a vibrant, globally competitive research and innovation system that supports national prosperity, societal advancement and the public good. Overall, Research England invests over £2 billion a year across a range of different programmes. In addition, they operate funding programmes across the UK and collaborate closely with partners in the devolved administrations.
Areas of responsibility include:
- implementing the UK’s Research Excellence Framework
- leading work on the sustainability of the research sector in England
- supporting the translation of research and development (R&D) from universities into economic and wider societal impact
About the role
The Executive Chair of Research England will be a dynamic and inspirational leader who will spearhead research excellence and knowledge exchange across England’s higher education institutions as well as taking the lead on various UK-wide initiatives. As the Executive Chair of Research England, they will lead a dedicated team of over 100 people across multiple locations. In addition, they will work closely with the Research England Council and take overall responsibility for setting the strategic vision for Research England as well as contributing to the direction of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
As a visible and credible leader, the Executive Chair will have a significant role in championing UKRI's relationships across the higher education sector, the other UK higher education funding bodies and the Office for Students. As a member of UKRI’s Executive Committee, the Executive Chair of Research England will be accountable to, and work closely with, the UKRI CEO and the wider Executive Committee, contributing to the collective leadership of the wider organisation. Research England’s Executive Chair will also be responsible for leading and delivering one or more cross cutting areas for UK Research and Innovation.
Key Responsibilities
UKRI’s nine Executive Chairs have two overarching responsibilities. Firstly, they have a responsibility to ensure the health and outcomes delivered within their domain. To achieve this, Executive Chairs have delegated responsibility and accountability for a budget set through recommendations to the Secretary of State from the UKRI Board, which is, in turn, advised by the UKRI Executive Committee. They have freedom to operate to deliver this budget through their team, including through collaborative programmes with other parts of UKRI, aligned with the UKRI Strategy. Executive Chairs will harness strategic insight they gain from their advisory council and by sustaining senior relationships across the research and innovation system. At the same time, as members of the UKRI Executive Committee, Executive Chairs have a responsibility for the health and vibrancy of the entire UK research and innovation system, recommending strategy to the UKRI Board. This includes collective responsibility and accountability for UKRI strategy and budgets, and for the leadership and delivery of collective UKRI activities.
The Research England Executive Chair will be accountable for multiple cross-UKRI functions, currently including:
- commercialisation
- financial sustainability and system health
- open research
The following responsibilities will be key to ensuring delivery of Research England and UKRI’s objectives:
Leadership
- lead and manage Research England and its staff in the successful delivery of its objectives, providing the inspirational, inclusive leadership and vision to maintain and develop the quality outputs and impacts from its investment portfolio
- be a core member of the UKRI Executive team to deliver best value from the overall research and innovation funding and policy system and actively contribute to the development and implementation of the strategy for UKRI
- work collaboratively across UKRI’s councils to foster interdisciplinary work and a whole system approach, providing support and challenge when required
- work with the Executive Committee, the Senior Independent Member of Research England and other council members to lead and develop the organisation’s strategic approach to research and innovation in England
Stakeholder engagement
- work with the SIM and other council members on the strategic approach to knowledge exchange and commercialisation in universities within England to enhance their contribution to economic growth and social capital
- fulfil Research England’s remit to create and sustain the conditions for a healthy and dynamic research and knowledge exchange system in the higher education sector
- oversee quality related funding and maintain the excellence of research infrastructure in English higher education providers (HEP). Stimulate research collaborations across the UK between HEPs, businesses and charities that help support economic growth and build local collaborations
- represent and develop positive relationships between Research England and the devolved administrations and their Higher Education funding bodies
- work closely with the Office for Students to support higher education more generally, delivering the Higher Education Innovation Funding programme and other areas of joint responsibility
Finance, planning and analysis
- maximise efficiency and ensure value for money from public investment
- ensure robust budget planning and financial control
- ensure robust analysis underpins decisions, evidences outcomes and maximises synergy between Research England’s objectives and the overall UKRI strategy
If you would like a copy of the candidate pack please e-mail us at seniorrecruitment@ukri.org
Essential criteria
UKRI wishes to attract the highest calibre of candidates with the appropriate standing for this role. The successful candidate will be able to command confidence and represent Research England with its many stakeholders at the highest level, being able to demonstrate the following essential criteria:
- a highly respected senior leader with relevant experience of, and success in, delivering research and innovation results, including understanding the challenges of institutional block grant funding
- politically astute with excellent interpersonal skills, able to influence, build and maintain strong working relationships with a wide range of partners demonstrating a collaborative and consultative approach
- clear and persuasive communicator capable of influencing at board, government and senior external stakeholder level (especially HEPs) providing authoritative advice and exercising sound judgement in decision-making
- commitment to the overarching goals of UKRI and the health of a wider and more integrated research and innovation landscape
- an ability to develop and deliver a strategic vision for higher education research and knowledge exchange funding in England, built on a thorough understanding of these areas
- A demonstrable ability of having translated research into application and economic benefit
Leadership and management
- proven experience contributing to the development and delivery of organisational strategy, with the ability to drive change, embed a culture of continuous improvement and deliver tangible organisational impact
- able to establish credibility quickly, navigate differences of opinion constructively, and demonstrate personal resilience, determination and integrity in high-pressure contexts
- demonstrable leadership and management skills within a complex organisation, able to evidence having successfully led through times of change and organisational development
- experience managing diverse, high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, talent development and organisational resilience across large, complex structures
- track record of leading organisational change, delivering outcomes under pressure and maintaining momentum in highly dynamic environments
- comfortable making high-stakes decisions, delegating effectively and ensuring accountability for resources, operational outcomes and compliance with governance standards
Benefits
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)
Executive Chair: Research & Innovation Leader in Bristol employer: Research England
Research England is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration across the higher education sector. With a commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package including 30 days of annual leave, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead impactful initiatives while contributing to national prosperity and societal advancement. Located in vibrant cities like Bristol, Swindon, or London, employees enjoy a rich cultural experience alongside their professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chair: Research & Innovation Leader in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the research and innovation sector. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation inside out. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the role. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the role and how your experience aligns with their goals. A clear, confident presentation of your ideas can set you apart from other candidates. Remember, you’re not just applying for a job; you’re showcasing your leadership potential!
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s make great things happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chair: Research & Innovation Leader in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for research and innovation. Don’t just list your achievements; tell us why they matter to you and how they align with our mission at Research England.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Executive Chair. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire, so show us how you’ve done that in the past!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a potential leader at Research England, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects, especially in high-pressure situations. We want to know how you can drive change and foster collaboration.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Research England. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Research England
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the research and innovation landscape in England. Familiarise yourself with Research England's key responsibilities and recent initiatives. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Executive Chair, you'll need to lead a large team and drive change. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight how you foster collaboration and accountability within diverse teams.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role involves working closely with various stakeholders, including higher education institutions and government bodies. Be ready to discuss how you've built and maintained strong relationships in previous roles. Think about specific strategies you've used to engage and influence stakeholders effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to convey complex ideas simply and persuasively. Practice articulating your vision for research and innovation funding in England. Use clear, concise language and be prepared to answer questions that require you to think on your feet, showcasing your ability to communicate at a senior level.
