Chief of Strategy

LOCATION: Bristol (with flexible/hybrid working options)

CONTRACT TYPE: Open Ended (Permanent)

HOURS: Full Time

GRADE: UKRI Band X

Closing Date: 22 February 26

Research England is a council of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), responsible for funding and supporting research and knowledge exchange in higher education institutions across England. We shape the conditions for a vibrant, globally competitive research and innovation system that supports national prosperity, societal advancement, and the public good. Research England also leads several cross‑cutting functions on behalf of UKRI and acts to enable these in delivering UKRI’s mission to advance knowledge, improve lives and drive growth.

We work in close partnership with UKRI, government, universities, and other stakeholders to ensure the sector is equipped to address national priorities, respond to emerging challenges, and drive long‑term impact.

This newly created senior executive leadership role is designed to enhance the strategic capacity of Research England and position the organisation for the future. The role supports a number of high‑priority projects and programmes responding to challenges facing higher education institutions in England and leads organisational change within the wider context of UKRI strategy and direction, including the integration of additional responsibilities and functions into Research England’s governance and operating models.

In addition to leading strategic development, the postholder will hold executive responsibility for translating strategy into organisational design, change delivery, and sustained implementation across Research England. The role combines system‑level strategic leadership with ownership of organisational change and transformation, including accountability for shaping and delivering a future‑state operating model aligned to UKRI strategy.

As Chief of Strategy, you will work closely with the Executive Chair, Research England Council, and Senior Leadership Team to lead the development and embedding of Research England’s long‑term strategic direction, while also supporting key projects that address sector‑wide issues. This role goes beyond high‑level vision‑setting: it is about shaping the system we operate in, aligning internal and external agendas, and enabling strategic delivery  role combines thought leadership with practical delivery, embedding strategic thinking into the core of the organisation, connecting it to real‑world execution, and strengthening Research England’s voice and influence across the sector.

The role will establish and lead a small, focused strategic function bringing together strategy, insight, and organisational planning capability. This will include a new senior strategy role reporting into the Chief of Strategy. The precise configuration, resourcing, and line management arrangements of this team will be developed following appointment, taking account of existing capabilities across Research England and UKRI, and with a view to minimising duplication and disruption.

The Chief of Strategy will take a phased and proportionate approach to organisational change, recognising the wider leadership context and the need for continuity and stability. Initial focus will be on priority areas where strategic coordination and change leadership add the greatest value, while laying foundations for longer‑term capability development and leadership succession.

• Lead the development and implementation of Research England’s long‑term strategy, ensuring clarity of purpose and alignment with the wider UKRI mission.
• Shape the organisation’s strategic posture and evolution, enabling agility, foresight, and long‑term impact in a changing environment.
• Lead Research England’s organisational change agenda, working in close partnership with the Executive Chair, Senior Leadership Team, and UKRI Professional Services.
• Provide strategic leadership, coordination, and delivery oversight for change programmes, operating within agreed governance arrangements and respecting existing…