Director of Digital, Data & Technology in City of London

Director of Innovation

Grade 6 | £80,000 - £105,000 per annum

Fixed Term Contract (12 month, Maternity Cover) | Full Time (37.5 hours per week) | Hybrid Working

Shape the Future of Health Innovation

At UCLPartners, we are health innovation specialists. We bring together the NHS, universities, industry and communities to transform healthcare through innovation. We identify, test, evaluate and scale solutions that improve outcomes for patients, citizens and health systems. We connect expertise, forge partnerships and help deliver healthcare fit for the future.

We are now seeking an exceptional Director of Innovation to join our senior leadership team at a pivotal time in our journey.

This is a rare opportunity to influence how innovation is developed, tested, adopted and scaled across one of the UK's leading health innovation organisations. Working closely with NHS leaders, academic institutions, innovators, industry partners and funders, you will help shape the future of healthcare innovation and deliver lasting impact across our region and beyond. 

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Innovation Officer, the Director of Innovation will provide strategic leadership for a portfolio of innovation programmes, services and partnerships.

You will be responsible for ensuring that UCLPartners' innovation activity remains aligned to the needs of our NHS and university partners, delivers measurable impact for patients and populations, and contributes to the long-term sustainability and growth of the organisation. 

As a member of the senior leadership team, you will lead a multidisciplinary team of innovation professionals, oversee complex programmes of work and develop opportunities that enhance UCLPartners' reputation as a leading innovation organisation.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for a portfolio of innovation programmes, services and partnerships. 
• Translate organisational priorities into deliverable business plans and work programmes. 
• Ensure programmes are delivered to a high standard, on time, within budget and achieve measurable impact. 
• Build and strengthen relationships with senior leaders across the NHS, academia, industry and funding organisations. 
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. 
• Identify and secure new opportunities, partnerships and funding that support organisational growth and sustainability. 
• Champion innovation methodologies and approaches that enable the successful adoption and spread of innovation across healthcare systems. 
• Represent UCLPartners externally, contributing to national conversations on innovation, transformation and healthcare improvement. 

About You

We are looking for an inspirational and commercially astute leader who combines strategic thinking with a strong delivery focus.

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience within healthcare, innovation, academia, consultancy, life sciences or a related sector. 
• A strong understanding of the NHS and the challenges and opportunities facing health and care systems. 
• Experience developing and delivering complex programmes involving multiple stakeholders and partner organisations. 
• A proven ability to influence, engage and build trusted relationships with senior leaders. 
• Demonstrable success in securing funding, generating income and delivering measurable impact. 
• Strong financial, operational and governance capabilities.
• Outstanding communication, relationship-building and stakeholder management skills. 
• A passion for innovation and improving outcomes for patients, populations and healthcare systems.

Working at UCLPartners

At UCLPartners, we believe that exceptional people create exceptional impact.

We are committed to creating an environment where our colleagues can thrive, contribute their best work and continue to develop professionally. We foster a culture that is collaborative, inclusive and values-driven, where innovation and continuous learning are encouraged.

We offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment.
• Opportunities for professional and personal development.
• Access to a wide network of NHS, academic, industry and innovation partners.
• The opportunity to work on programmes that make a tangible difference to health outcomes and healthcare delivery.
• A commitment to wellbeing and work-life balance. 

Our Values

Everything we do is underpinned by our organisational values:

Learning

We continuously learn, improve and share knowledge.

Leadership

We bring people together and lead change collaboratively.

Ambition

We are driven by a desire to improve healthcare and achieve meaningful impact.

Creativity

We embrace innovation, new ideas and different perspectives.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UCLPartners is committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, valued and able to contribute.

We actively welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and communities, particularly those currently underrepresented in the health innovation sector. We are committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are inclusive, accessible and free from discrimination.

We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation, enriches our thinking and enhances the impact we can have on the populations and communities we serve.

Application Process

Closing Date: 23 September 2026

Interview Date: To be advised

Further Information

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:

John Craig

Chief Innovation Officer

(john.craig@uclpartners.com)

Transforming healthcare through innovation

UCLPartners is a leading health innovation partnership bringing together NHS organisations, universities, industry and communities to improve health and care through innovation, quality improvement, research adoption and system transformation.

To learn more about UCLPartners, our work and our values, please visit

UCLPartners is committed to safeguarding and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and expects all employees to share this commitment.