At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research excellence and innovation across England's higher education institutions.
- Company: Join UKRI, a key player in shaping the future of research and innovation.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, performance-related pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a chance to influence the UK's research landscape.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on research and knowledge exchange at a national level.
- 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, the holder 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.
- 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.
- Finance, planning and analysis: Maximise efficiency and ensure value for money from public investment.
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.
- 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.
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.
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 and a supporting statement.
Executive Chair - Research & Innovation Leader in Swindon employer: UKRI
As an employer, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) offers a unique opportunity to lead transformative research and innovation initiatives that shape the future of higher education in England. With a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, competitive salaries, and the chance to make a significant impact on national prosperity and societal advancement. Located in vibrant cities like Bristol, Swindon, and London, UKRI provides a dynamic environment for leaders to thrive while engaging with diverse stakeholders across the UK and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chair - Research & Innovation Leader 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 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! Do 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. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, hit that apply button and let’s get started!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chair - Research & Innovation Leader in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience and achievements that align with the Executive Chair role. Keep it concise, ideally no longer than two to three pages, and ensure it’s tailored to showcase your leadership in research and innovation.
Nail the Supporting Statement:This is your chance to shine! Use your supporting statement to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Be specific about your vision for Research England and back it up with practical examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and attributes.
Address the Essential Criteria:Make sure you directly address the essential criteria listed in the job description. This shows us that you understand what we’re looking for and how you meet those needs. Use clear examples to illustrate your capabilities and achievements in these areas.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our Careers Portal by the deadline! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the role. If you run into any issues, just drop us an email and we’ll help you out!
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Executive Chair at Research England. Familiarise yourself with their key responsibilities, especially around research excellence and knowledge exchange. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams through change. Highlight your ability to inspire and manage diverse groups, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build relationships with various stakeholders, including higher education institutions and government bodies. Be ready to share specific strategies or past experiences that demonstrate your ability to engage and influence at high levels.
✨Craft a Vision
Develop a clear vision for what you would aim to achieve in this role. Be prepared to discuss your strategic approach to enhancing research and innovation in England, and how you would translate that into actionable plans.
