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- Tasks: Lead and shape organisational initiatives to enhance UKRI's operating model.
- Company: Join UKRI, a key player in research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 30 days leave, and a Civil Service pension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving change in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in organisational design and leadership.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with senior stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
LOCATION: Swindon (with some travel to London required)
CONTRACT: 2-year fixed term contract (funding dependent, there may be the opportunity to extend this period after a review)
CLOSING DATE: 25 January 2026
INTERVIEW DATES: W/C 16 or 23 February 2026
ABOUT YOU
Are you an experienced senior leader with large-scale, complex people and organisational design experience? If so, we encourage you to explore this exciting role, which focuses on shaping and strengthening the organisation’s operating model to enable us to deliver on our mission.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Programme Director role offers a unique opportunity to define and shape the strategy and delivery of key organisational initiatives, bringing the exceptional leadership, capability, and energy needed to progress this important programme of work through a strong people focus. You will oversee and work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief People Officer and wider members of the Executive Committee to support in driving an efficient and agile people-centred operating model that will help drive the financial and strategic objectives of UKRI. You will provide leadership and line management for multiple functions and be able to work across professions to harness the data and skills required to ensure success. The role will provide leadership across large-scale, complex workstreams, with substantial accountability for their overall success. It will require the ability to build and sustain strong relationships and to collaborate with a wide range of senior stakeholders across the organisation, including research councils, centres, institutes, and units. Your capability and leadership experience will ensure the programme remains on track and meets its goals, working with an ambitious timeframe. Drawing on your experience as a senior budget manager, you will exercise sound financial stewardship and ensure robust governance across the programme.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, develop and deliver a people-centred operating model from an organisational design perspective, and appropriate governance arrangements including risk and benefits realisation.
- Lead the effective development of a wider people plan that underpins this element of work and collaborate with senior leaders to deliver an overarching plan aligned against the next spending review and beyond.
- Accountable for the successful delivery of people elements relating to organisational change and oversight of the wider change portfolio to enable success and ensure delivery that is well aligned.
- Be responsible for the people change budget (c.£30m in year one) including operational expenditure budget, ensuring that spending is in line with all UKRI policies and processes.
- Significant and complex relationship management relating to organisational change.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Candidates will be assessed against the following essential criteria throughout the recruitment process:
- Qualifications - Educated to degree level OR possess Chartered Membership of CIPD OR have significant experience to deliver organisational design at scale.
- Leadership - Significant senior leadership experience in managing large-scale, complex programmes, with a proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire diverse teams through change, demonstrating credibility and strong influencing skills.
- Stakeholder Management and Influence - Proven ability to work effectively with a complex range of executive and senior stakeholders, including the ability to influence and challenge at Board level. Demonstrates strong communication and persuasive skills in driving outcomes.
- Strategic Leadership and Implementation - Strategic mindset with the ability to translate ideas and policies into actionable plans, delivering results while managing programmes in dynamic, rapidly changing environments. Skilled at ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and adapting to evolving needs.
- Governance, Risk Management, and Process Efficiency - Ability to develop and implement governance frameworks, monitor progress, evaluate risks, and manage large budgets. Successfully balances process efficiency with the need for flexibility and responsiveness.
- Collaboration and Partnership Building - Experience in collaborating with third parties and external partners to deliver joint commitments, while developing and maintaining strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Government - Significant awareness of the workings of government and its partners, with the ability to navigate complex environments while maintaining effective partnerships and delivering on shared goals.
INCENTIVES
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
We encourage you to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in your cover letter to clearly demonstrate how your experience meets each of the ‘person specification’ criteria outlined in the job description.
Please ensure your CV and cover letter are no longer than two A4 pages each, using a minimum font size of 11. Once submitted, your application cannot be edited via our careers website; however, if you encounter any issues or need to update your documents, please contact us at SeniorRecruitment@ukri.org.
OTHER INFORMATION
If you’d like to have an informal chat about the role before applying, you’re welcome to get in touch with us at seniorrecruitment@ukri.org.
UKRI Programme Director in Swindon employer: UKRI
Contact Detail:
UKRI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UKRI Programme Director in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UKRI on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the culture and expectations, plus it might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research UKRI’s recent projects and initiatives. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals will show you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR method responses! This is key for showcasing your leadership and strategic skills. Think of specific situations where you’ve made an impact and be ready to share them during your interview.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace UKRI Programme Director in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand what the Programme Director role is all about. Dive into the job description and think about how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and person specification. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Use the STAR Method: When crafting your cover letter, remember to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This approach helps you clearly demonstrate how your past experiences meet the criteria we're looking for. It’s a great way to structure your thoughts and make your application stand out!
Keep it Concise: We love a well-organised application! Make sure your CV and cover letter are no longer than two A4 pages each, using a minimum font size of 11. This keeps things neat and makes it easier for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers website! Once you hit that submit button, your application can’t be edited, so double-check everything before sending it off. If you have any issues, just drop us an email at SeniorRecruitment@ukri.org.
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Programme Director and the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with UKRI's mission and how this position contributes to it. This will help you articulate your vision and demonstrate your alignment with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples that highlight your senior leadership experience, especially in managing large-scale programmes. Use the STAR method to structure your responses, focusing on how you've led diverse teams through change and influenced stakeholders at a high level.
✨Build Relationships
Since relationship management is crucial for this role, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build and sustain strong relationships. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your collaboration with senior stakeholders and how you've navigated complex environments successfully.
✨Financial Acumen is Key
As you'll be responsible for a significant budget, brush up on your financial stewardship skills. Be ready to discuss your experience in managing budgets, ensuring compliance with policies, and how you've balanced process efficiency with flexibility in previous roles.
