Job Description

The Head of Research will provide strategic leadership across research, involvement and external partnerships, strengthening the charity's influence within the UK and global research landscape. This is a highly visible role, representing them with researchers, clinicians, funders, industry partners and the third sector.
Head of Research
Remote working
Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, delivery and evaluation of the charity's research strategy in line with the organisation's five-year strategy, working closely with the Director of Policy, Research and Involvement and the Chief Executive.
• Provide expert strategic advice to the Senior Leadership Team on research and involvement opportunities, risks and emerging developments.
• Lead and oversee their full research funding portfolio
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of their research funding offer, ensuring schemes are competitive, impactful and aligned with organisational priorities.
• Monitor delivery, outputs and impact of funded research, ensuring effective grant management, learning and accountability.
• Monitor national and international research developments relevant to the charity's health area, identifying emerging trends and opportunities.
• Translate complex research activity and findings into clear, accessible updates for internal and external audiences.
• Act as a spokesperson on research matters where appropriate, supporting media engagement and public understanding.
• Champion involvement as a core organisational principle, ensuring lived experience shapes their strategy, delivery and decision-making at all levels.
• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of systems, processes and standards that support high-quality involvement activity.
• Build and sustain strategic relationships with UK and international research centres, study sites and academic institutions.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with pharmaceutical and life sciences organisations, positioning the charity as a credible and trusted research partner.
• Facilitate connections between researchers, study sites and industry partners to support high-quality research and collaboration.
• Lead, support and develop a high-performing Research and Involvement team, fostering a culture of collaboration, learning and continuous improvement.
• Provide clear leadership, objectives and performance management for direct reports, supporting wellbeing and professional development.
• Lead the development of robust impact reporting for research and involvement activity, tailored for the Board, funders, partners and the wider public.

Shape and deliver this health charity's research and involvement ambitionsDevelop and deliver a bold new research strategy
Head of Research
Remote working
Essential:

• Proven experience of developing and delivering organisational or departmental strategies.
• Significant experience leading or managing research programmes, including grant funding schemes.
• Strong knowledge of research governance, ethics and best practice.
• Experience engaging senior external stakeholders within research, healthcare, academic or industry environments.
• Knowledge of the UK research landscape and the role of the voluntary sector.
• Experience leading and developing teams, with a track record of building high-performing staff.
• Demonstrable commitment to ensuring lived experience and patient voice shape research and organisational practice.
• Strong understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion, including barriers faced by under-represented groups.

Our client is a small but growing health charity
Head of Research
Remote working

• Remote working.
• Competitive salary ranging from 50,000 to 55,000.
• Permanent position with opportunities for growth and development.
• Supportive and inclusive work environment.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the health research and charity landscape.

If you meet the criteria and are excited about the opportunity to lead as a Head of Research, we encourage you to apply.

Skills Required