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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic policy and research initiatives to drive impactful change.
- Company: Not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving working environments across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, hybrid working, and employee development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in shaping policies that support fair access to careers and education.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-level policy research and strong stakeholder relationship skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 64450 - 77880 £ per year.
London or Leicester (with hybrid working)
The Organisation
Our client is a not‐for‐profit organisation that focuses on supporting better working environments and benefits packages for people across the country. They are now looking for a Deputy Director, Policy and Research to join them on a full‐time, permanent basis. Requests for flexible working will be considered with a minimum option of 0.8 FTE working condensed hours with flexible start and finish times.
Your Rewards
- Salary of £64,450 - £77,880 per annum, dependent on experience and location
- 31 days' holiday increasing to 33 days after 5 years' service, of which 3 are shutdown days in addition to public holidays
- Company pension scheme with 8% employer contribution
- Group Life Assurance 3*salary
- Hybrid working (with 40%-60% of your time required in the office)
- Flexible working practices
- Employee Development Scheme
- Retailer Discounts
- Enhanced occupational maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental pay
- Enhanced occupational sick pay
- Eye care scheme
- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme
- Gold award in Investors in People
If you are a high‐calibre policy research professional operating at programme manager level or higher, this is the ideal opportunity to drive your career forward and take your next step with this vital charity. You'll have the chance to make a real impact at the highest levels, having strategic input and driving change across a key area. In doing so, you'll be able to consolidate your expertise, further develop your skills and support your career trajectory. What’s more, you’ll be supported by a talented and committed team within an organisation with a superb reputation, making sure this is the right move for you now and in the future.
Your Role
As Deputy Director, Policy and Research, you will lead a key part of our client’s strategic plan, overseeing all projects and activities in a specific area and forging new areas of work and projects. Shaping an ongoing programme of research and impact work, you will also focus on a number of key areas centred around understanding and providing support. These will include career change, employer investment in skills, high‐quality and fair access to apprenticeships and technical education, and progression from low pay. This is a senior leadership role in which you will play a vital part in shaping overall strategy and plans, as well as line managing senior and mid‐level staff, and supporting the wider team with intellectual leadership.
Additionally, you will:
- Write and/or co‐ordinate responses to reactive research and evaluation tenders
- Develop proactive proposals that will drive change in your area or work
- Act as an external expert on the issues of better work and progression
- Oversee projects being delivered in your and related areas
- Provide quality assurance for research proposals and outputs
About You
To be considered as the Deputy Director, Policy and Research, you will need:
- Experience of developing, overseeing and delivering programmes of policy‐relevant research at a high level
- Experience of business development in a policy/research context: developing ideas, writing bids and building relationships with funders
- Experience of building senior‐level relationships with external stakeholders for impact and influence
- A track record of delivering national and/or local policy change
- Advanced research skills (qualitative or quantitative)
- Demonstrable knowledge of employment and/or skills policy in the UK
The closing date for this role is 21st February 2026.
Other organisations may call this role Deputy Research Director, Deputy Policy Director, Policy & Research Programme Manager, Head of Policy & Research, Head of Research Programmes, or Senior Research Manager.
Webrecruit and our clients are equal opportunities employers, value diversity, and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business, and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
Deputy Director, Policy and Research in London employer: Webrecruit
Contact Detail:
Webrecruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director, Policy and Research in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the policy and research field. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Deputy Director, Policy and Research. Highlight your achievements in policy-relevant research and your ability to drive change.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the world of policy and research.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director, Policy and Research in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in policy and research. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Deputy Director, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your past roles, focus on the impact you’ve made. Use specific examples of how your work has driven change or influenced policy. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your expertise!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who not only has the right skills but also fits well with our team culture. Don’t be afraid to share your passion for improving working environments!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Webrecruit
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key areas of policy and research relevant to the role. Brush up on current trends in employment and skills policy in the UK, as well as any recent changes that could impact the organisation's work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Director, you'll be expected to lead and manage teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past, focusing on your ability to drive change and influence stakeholders.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the organisation’s strategic goals, their approach to research, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Impact
Be ready to discuss specific instances where your work has led to tangible outcomes or policy changes. Use metrics or qualitative data to illustrate your contributions and how they align with the organisation's mission.
