At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research excellence and knowledge exchange across England's higher education institutions.
- Company: Join Research England, a key player in UK research and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-related pay, and opportunities for travel.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant influence and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of research and innovation in the UK.
- 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:
- Skills, experience and standing
- 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
Indicative Timeline
The selection process will include an interview and a presentation, along with additional fireside discussions. Candidates will also be asked to complete psychometric testing as part of the assessment. Interviews will be in person and will take place in London.
Process Dates
- Closing Date: Sunday 21st June 2026
- Shortlisting: w/c 22nd June 2026
- Interviews: w/c 06th July 2026
Please note that the timeline for this campaign is indicative and therefore subject to change. Please note that the role-holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for this role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
How to Apply
Please submit your application via the Careers Portal by 23:55 on Sunday 21st June 2026. You will need to supply:
- A CV
- A supporting statement
You should aim for your CV and supporting statement to be no longer than two to three pages each. Your statement of suitability should provide the following: specific information about why you believe you would be suitable for appointment into the Research England Executive Chair role and your vision for the role if successful think about your knowledge, skills, experience and personal attributes, and take full advantage of the space available. Use practical examples where possible and ensure you refer to the essential criteria for this role.
Should you have any problem with submitting your application via the UKRI Careers Portal, please do send an email to seniorrecruitment@ukri.org with ‘Research England Executive Chair’ in the subject heading. A member of our team will be in touch.
Executive Chair - Research England in Swindon employer: UKRI
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 and development, staff are encouraged to engage in meaningful projects that have a significant impact on national prosperity and societal advancement. Located in vibrant cities like Bristol, Swindon, or London, employees benefit from a supportive culture that values inclusivity and strategic leadership, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a difference in research and knowledge exchange.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chair - Research England in Swindon
✨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, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its key players. Understand their mission and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your vision for the role and how your experience aligns with their goals. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for any new opportunities that pop up. We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chair - Research England in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Executive Chair role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in research and innovation. We want to see how your background aligns with what Research England is all about!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Clearly outline why you're the perfect fit for this role and share your vision for the position. Use specific examples to back up your claims, and don’t forget to address the essential criteria we’ve laid out.
Keep It Concise:Remember, we’re looking for clarity and impact. Aim for your CV and supporting statement to be no longer than two to three pages each. Be concise but make every word count—show us what you can bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via the UKRI Careers Portal by the deadline. If you run into any issues, just drop us an email at seniorrecruitment@ukri.org. We’re here to help you through the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Research England's mission and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their funding programmes and how they impact higher education. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Executive Chair, leadership is key. Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams through change. Highlight your ability to inspire and manage diverse groups, as this role requires a dynamic approach to leadership.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would engage with various stakeholders, from universities to government bodies. Be ready to share strategies for building strong relationships and fostering collaboration. This will demonstrate your understanding of the importance of stakeholder engagement in achieving Research England's objectives.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Practice articulating your thought process in high-pressure situations, especially regarding budget management and strategic planning. This will showcase your readiness for the challenges of the role.
