[Hiring] IS8 Programme Director for Advanced Manufacturing @Innovate UK

Role Description

The new cohort of Programme Directors provides a unique opportunity for exceptional leaders to shape and lead the strategy and delivery of UKRI’s work across the Government’s Industrial Strategy growth-driving sectors.

• Provide exceptional leadership, skills, and energy to drive this important work forward.
• Oversee and work closely with the other Programme Directors.
• Lead large-scale, complex programmes with substantial accountability for their success.
• Build and maintain strong relationships while collaborating effectively with a wide range of senior stakeholders across various sectors, including industry, government, and academia.
• Oversee the development and management of high-performing teams, guiding them through periods of change.
• Play a central role in facilitating and brokering effective and inclusive partnerships.

Qualifications

• Substantial senior leadership experience in managing large-scale, complex programmes or portfolios.
• Confidence in shaping programme strategy and securing approval from the highest levels of stakeholder governance.
• Track record of designing delivery approaches for multi-faceted programmes comprising numerous, diverse sub-programmes and projects.
• Extensive experience in hands-on programme management, demonstrating ownership for delivery.
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with senior stakeholders across industry, government, and academia.
• Proven ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing teams through periods of change.

Requirements

• Lead the development and effective implementation of the Programme strategy.
• Design and launch the programme operating model and appropriate governance arrangements.
• Accountable for the successful delivery of the Programme as per the agreed scope, outcomes, and objectives.
• Form and lead a new team with clear purpose and alignment.
• Lead external stakeholder engagement, facilitating support and partnerships for programme activities.
• Be responsible for the programme budget.
• Manage relationships between the Programme, UKRI Councils, UKRI Executive Committee, and UKRI Board.

Benefits

• Salary: £94,931 Per Annum
• Hours: Full Time
• Contract Type: Open Ended
• Location: Field Based
• Grade: UKRI Band X
• Positions Available: X1
• Closing Date: 19 June 2026
• Proposed Interview Date: 12 June 2026

Assessment Criteria

• Extensive senior leadership experience delivering large-scale, multi-faceted programmes in complex environments.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement robust governance frameworks, manage risks, and control significant budgets.
• Strong stakeholder management capability across complex and diverse environments.
• Proven collaborative approach, delivering shared commitments and outcomes in rapidly changing environments.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate policy and ideas into actionable plans.
• Strong influencing skills, ensuring effective processes while maintaining flexibility.
• An effective team player and leader, able to inspire and motivate teams.

Application Guidance

We encourage you to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in your cover letter to clearly demonstrate how your experience meets each of the ‘person specification’ criteria outlined in the job description.

Please ensure your CV and cover letter are no longer than two A4 pages each, using a minimum font size of 11.

Once submitted, your application cannot be edited via our careers website; however, if you encounter any issues or need to update your documents, please contact us at [email protected].

Other Information

If you'd like to have an informal chat about the role before applying, you're welcome to get in touch with us at [email protected].

Applications must be submitted by: 19-05-2026