Senior Policy and Research Manager

Save the Children UK has an exciting opportunity for a strategic and politically minded individual with extensive policy development experience to join us as our Senior Policy & Research Manager where you will work within the Wales team to develop policy proposals that drive political change. Please note: this role is based in Wales and will require a level of knowledge of this area.

About Us: Save the Children UK believes every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children's unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach.

About the role: As Senior Policy & Research Manager, you will lead the development of evidence-based, politically informed policy strategies in Wales, drawing on research, data and the lived experience of children and families. This includes managing research projects, collaborating across teams, and producing powerful briefings and advocacy tools that influence decision-makers.

This role requires someone with a deep understanding of the Welsh policy landscape, a strategic and analytical mindset, and a values-driven approach to centring children's experiences — especially those most marginalised by systems and structures.

In this role, you will:

• Lead on strategic policy development: Develop evidence-based, politically astute policy solutions to tackle child poverty in Wales, with a focus on social justice and equity.
• Lead research projects: Design, commission and manage research that informs policy, includes lived experience, and reflects children's rights.
• Use political acumen: Monitor the Welsh political landscape and work with public affairs colleagues to identify influencing opportunities, ensuring our research and policy work is well-timed and impactful.
• Integrate evidence into change strategies: Work closely with advocacy, media, campaigns and partnerships teams to ensure research and policy shape Save the Children's wider influencing.
• Communicate with impact: Produce compelling reports, policy briefings, consultation responses and advocacy materials that resonate with policymakers and stakeholders.
• Collaborate effectively: Build strong internal and external relationships with researchers, decision-makers, and partners across sectors.
• Uphold a child rights approach: Ensure all work centres the voices, experiences and rights of children and families — especially those who are most marginalised.
• Champion diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI): Embed inclusive practices in all aspects of research, policy, and collaboration.

About you: To be successful, it is important that you have:

• Proven ability to develop strategic, evidence-based policy in complex areas like poverty or social justice.
• Deep understanding of the Welsh policy landscape and how to identify and act on influencing opportunities.
• Strong analytical thinking skills and the ability to work with diverse evidence sources.
• A highly collaborative working style, with the ability to lead or contribute to cross-functional initiatives.
• Excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and workstreams.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distil complex information into accessible materials.
• Commitment to Save the Children's vision, mission and values.
• Welsh language skills are desirable, and we’re committed to supporting your learning as part of our accredited Welsh Language Offer.

What we offer you: Working for a charity provides one of the best benefits there is — a sense of purpose and reward for helping others. However, we understand the importance of giving back to our employees to ensure a happy and healthy working environment and work/life balance. We focus on flexibility, inclusion, collaboration, health and wellbeing both in and outside of work. We provide a wide range of benefits which will reward your hard work, motivate you, and inspire you to work to improve the lives of children every day.

Closing date: Tuesday 1st July at midnight. Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.