UK Research and Innovation

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is at the forefront of driving the nation’s research and innovation agenda, playing a pivotal role in the Government’s ambition to accelerate knowledge creation, innovation, investment, and productivity across the UK. As we embark on this transformative journey, we are seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of CEO. This is an unparalleled opportunity to lead the UK’s largest public funder of research and innovation.

We are looking for a visionary leader who can lead UKRI through significant organisational changes. UKRI needs to be a light-touch, efficient, agile, and outcome focused organisation capable of deploying a range of funding models through and across its component parts. Supporting empowered, effective and delivery-oriented action, it should be more than the sum of its parts and should focus on outcomes. As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide exceptional leadership of UKRI’s 8,000 staff across the UK, delivering funding for pioneering research and overseeing cutting-edge national research and development infrastructure.

We are seeking an inspirational leader from either R&D intensive industries or the university and charitable research sectors, with a deep understanding of the R&I system. You will bring experience of operating at Board level or equivalent, and a track record of leading one or more large, complex and diverse organisations through successful change. A strong communicator able to inspire our staff and build credibility and respect with academic, business and Government communities, you will understand how to run a diverse organisation with multiple components with different needs and objectives.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to UKRI on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference AAYIO2. Alternatively, telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by midday on Monday 30 September 2024.