OverviewDirector of Research and Innovation - NERCSalary: £94,931 - £117,800 per annum (full-time equivalent; pro rata for part-time hours). Salary for internal employees will be awarded based on the UKRI Pay & Reward principles.Appointment Term: Flexible options available including fixed-term, secondment, and permanent contracts, as well as hybrid working arrangements. Minimum commitment: 36 months; minimum hours: 0.8 FTE (37 hours per week).Location: Based in Swindon with frequent travel to London and nationwide travel opportunities to connect with researchers.Grade: Band X | Closing Date: Sunday 2nd November 2025Are you a visionary leader ready to inspire change in the environmental community? We seek a dynamic environmental science research leader who can turn complex challenges into opportunities and place cutting-edge environmental science at the heart of green growth and government priorities. ResponsibilitiesDelivery of over £100M per year of UKRI’s research and talent budget, program evaluation, and leadership/management of approximately 50 staff.Leading the development of research and innovation priorities for the entire NERC.Inception, direction, and timely delivery of curiosity-driven research, talent and skills funding, and strategic research programmes.Collaborate across UKRI to align with policies and continually improve the efficiency and effectiveness of science funding.Identify opportunities for collaborations and international partnerships leveraging NERC domain expertise.NERC Community Liaison: act as a critical contact across the NERC community, gather scientific insights, and empower Head Office with insights.Stakeholder relationships: liaise with UKRI teams and external partners to ensure optimal outcomes; act as a senior ambassador for NERC.Contribute to corporate management as a member of the executive team and participate in evaluation and planning activities; champion equality, diversity and inclusion. Person SpecificationPhD-qualified with a strong scientific record in environmental science and its applications.Sustained track record in senior roles managing major scientific initiatives and programmes.Senior stakeholder management experience with ability to build relationships and influence across organizational boundaries.Experience in portfolio budget management and outcome-driven spending.Demonstrated capability in staff performance and development management. Application GuidanceHow to evidence criteria: use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in the cover letter. CV and cover letter should be no longer than two A4 pages each; font size should be at least 11. For issues updating documents, contact SeniorRecruitment@ukri.org. BenefitsDefined benefit pension scheme30 days’ annual leave plus 10.5 days of public and privilege days (full-time equivalent)Employee discounts and offers on retail/leisureEmployee assistance programme for confidential help and adviceFlexible working options

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