Associate Director, Studio

Wellcome Trust; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 112,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Benefits package

Job summary

Wellcome, the global charitable foundation based in London, seeks an Associate Director, Studio to provide strategic leadership, set direction and define a compelling service offer for the Studio.

You will act as a strategic partner across the organisation, align the Studio’s work with priorities, and oversee a significant portfolio of internal delivery and external partnerships, delivering high‑quality, audience‑centred work for Wellcome and Wellcome Collection.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience shaping and delivering strategy in creative or in-house agency environments.
• Proven track record at Associate Director level with accountability for strategy, delivery and commercial performance.
• Experience improving efficiency, cost control and return on investment in commercial or contract environments.
• Experience overseeing events, design systems, content production and storytelling at scale.
• Experience managing external agencies and supplier partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Studio, setting direction and service offer.
• Align Studio work with organisational priorities and global presence.
• Oversee a portfolio of internal delivery and external partnerships.
• Deliver high-quality, audience-centred work that strengthens Wellcome’s brand and impact.

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategy development

Delivery management

Commercial performance

External partnerships

Job description

Salary: £112,320 - £140,400 Closing Date: Thursday 17th September Contract: Permanent

Wellcome is a politically and financially independent global charitable foundation based in London, UK. Since 1936, we have supported science to help build a healthier future for everyone, funded through the returns from our in-house managed investment portfolio, which currently stands at £37bn. Our mission is to support science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone.

This role will help shape how Wellcome and Wellcome Collection communicate, engage and create impact through high-quality creative, insight-led and audience-centred work. We are looking for an Associate Director, Studio to provide strategic leadership for the Studio: setting its direction, defining a clear and compelling service offer, and building the capabilities needed to deliver measurable value, operational efficiency and outstanding creative, content, experience and insight-led services for Wellcome and Wellcome Collection. The role includes oversight of a significant portfolio of investment across internal delivery and external partners. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who can combine creative ambition with commercial discipline. You will act as a strategic partner across the organisation, aligning the Studio’s work with organisational priorities, strengthening Wellcome’s global influence, and creating a culture focused on quality, efficiency and value for money. As a member of the Corporate Affairs & Engagement leadership team, you will ensure the Studio operates with excellence, efficiency and strategic alignment, delivering high-quality, audience-centred work that strengthens Wellcome’s brand, impact and global presence.

Minimum requirements

• Significant senior leadership experience shaping and delivering strategy in creative, content, insight, experience or in-house agency environments within complex organisations.
• Proven track record of operating at Associate Director level, with accountability for strategy, delivery, and commercial performance.
• Demonstrable experience leading in an operating environment where improved efficiency, cost control, value for money and quantifiable return on investment are key success measures, such as a commercial or contract organisation.
• Experience overseeing events and experiences, design systems, content production, and storytelling at scale.
• Expertise in managing external agencies, freelance networks, and supplier partnerships to complement in-house capability.

Our Hybrid Way of WorkingWe know our colleagues have commitments and interests outside work, and we want people to work in ways that help them perform at their best. At Wellcome, we have a hybrid way of working, which means spending three days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday), with the remaining two days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do Diversity and inclusion are priorities at Wellcome. We are committed to creating a fair and inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles and aim to make our recruitment processes as inclusive as possible. 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 [e-mail].

We support researchers, we take on big health challenges, we campaign for better science, and we help everyone get involved with science and health research. Wellcome isn't just a supporter of great ideas, it's a great place to work. We offer excellent benefits and help our employees to develop in an open, respectful culture where differences are valued.