Head of Strategic Partnerships

Salary: £101,700

Closing date:
Sunday, 18 January 2026

Contract type:
Permanent

Interview dates: 29, 30 January and 2 February (1st stage: Remote/Online; 2nd stage: Face to Face)

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships.

We plan to spend £16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

These challenges need the bold science we support, but they won’t be solved by science alone.

You will be joining the Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships (GRSP) team, which leads Wellcome’s diplomatic efforts, advocates for change globally, and builds the knowledge and partnerships needed to achieve our organisational goals. As Head of Strategic Partnerships, you will provide strategic leadership for Wellcome’s partnerships portfolio, setting ambitious goals and driving impactful, co‑created collaborations across philanthropic, multilateral, and private sector partners.

You will be expected to stay abreast of trends in global health, philanthropy, and the private sector, identifying opportunities for Wellcome to innovate and act as a sector leader. You will contribute to a diverse and inclusive culture across the organisation, encouraging collaboration and effective communication, and deputise for the Associate Director when required.

• Leading the strategic development and delivery of Wellcome’s partnership goals, working collaboratively across all departments to maximise our impact on global science and health challenges.

• Building, managing, and inspiring a high‑performing team of partnership professionals, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone’s skills and contributions are valued and developed.

• Developing and overseeing team strategy, budgets, and partnership management processes, ensuring strong foundations for effective and innovative collaborations.

• Acting as a senior spokesperson and adviser, nurturing new and existing strategic partnerships with multilateral agencies, philanthropic organisations, and other partners, and negotiating impactful collaborations.

• Providing expert guidance to leaders across Wellcome, proactively engaging with colleagues to align partnership activities with our organisational strategy and vision.

• Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all partnership activities, and contributing to a positive, collaborative culture across Wellcome.

If you have a proven track record of leading strategic partnerships internationally and significant expertise in global health, philanthropy, or the private sector, this role could be a great fit for you. We’re looking for an excellent communicator and inclusive team leader, confident working across cultures and with diverse stakeholders in complex environments. If you thrive on building impactful collaborations and driving ambitious outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply for this role please submit an update CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

• Experience of leading strategic partnerships work internationally, across countries and cultures

• Significant expertise in one or more of the following sectors – philanthropic partnerships, multilateral partnerships and/or private sector partnerships.

• Significant experience of working in global health, healthcare, research, and/ or international development sectors

• Sound experience of successfully building, leading and developing a diverse and high‑performing team of partnerships professionals

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best.

At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority  are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long‑term condition.

Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at jobs.