Head of Evaluation

Medical Research Council; Swindon; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biomedical research organization in Swindon is seeking a Head of Evaluation to develop and deliver a strategic evaluation programme. This role requires a candidate with proven experience in leading complex evaluation projects, strong analytical skills, and the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders. The successful applicant will champion best practices in evaluation and lead a small team, ensuring comprehensive insights into funding impacts.

Benefits

Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme

30 days' annual leave plus public holidays

Employee discounts on retail and leisure

Employee assistance programme

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading complex evaluation programmes and analysis.
• Strong understanding of evaluation methodologies (quantitative and qualitative).
• Ability to synthesise complex evidence into strategic insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a strategic evaluation programme.
• Design and oversee a portfolio of monitoring and evaluation projects.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders for effective insights.

Skills

Leading complex evaluation programmes

Evaluation methodologies

Data interpretation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Managing teams

Job description

The Head of Evaluation will lead the development and delivery of a strategic, high-quality evaluation programme bringing together evaluation and insight on the outcomes of our funding, and the mechanisms used to award it. This role is central to ensuring MRC's investments in biomedical research are informed by robust evidence, learning, and impact assessment. You will work closely with colleagues across UKRI, government departments, other funders and the wider research and innovation ecosystem to shape policy, improve practice and understanding, and demonstrate the value of public investment in biomedical science.

Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement MRC's evaluation strategy and direction to demonstrate outcomes and impact from MRC funding in the context of UKRI and the broader life sciences sector. Lead evaluation across MRC, to ensure research and initiatives have suitable M&E activity, including adequate resources committed and appropriate oversight implemented.

Programme delivery

Design and oversee a portfolio of monitoring and evaluation projects, including impact and process evaluations, M&E plans, support for Business Cases, and thematic and portfolio reviews across MRC's funding schemes and strategic initiatives. This will include evaluations delivered in house and externally commissioned.

Insight and Integration

Provide strategic oversight to ensure analytical outputs are aligned with MRC's strategy and policy priorities and broader UKRI objectives. Translate complex evidence into clear, actionable insights that inform decision-making, bridge the gap between policy and analysis, and support the development of robust, intelligence-led strategies across MRC's funding portfolio.

Stakeholder Engagement

Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including other funders and policymakers, to ensure methods are robust and up to date and insights from evaluation are relevant, credible, and used effectively.

Methodological Expertise

Provide expert advice on evaluation design, theory of change, mixed-methods approaches, and data interpretation, presentation and messaging. Champion innovation and best practice in evaluation and ensure that evaluation outputs meet the needs of key stakeholders across Government.

Team Leadership

Lead and develop a small team, to deliver the evidence base and impact narrative fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading complex evaluation programmes and analysis resulting in insights and recommendations, ideally within research funding, health, or public policy sectors. (S/I)
• Strong understanding and analytical experience of using evaluation methodologies (quantitative and qualitative) and impact assessment frameworks. (S/I)
• Proven ability to synthesise complex analytical evidence into strategic insights that inform policy and organisational decision-making, with experience in aligning evaluation outputs to broader priorities and translating data into usable intelligence. (S/I)
• Excellent data interpretation and presentation skills to translate data and inform decision-making of different audiences. (S/I)
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills. (I)
• Experience in managing teams and developing talent. (S/I)

Desirable

• Knowledge or experience of the biomedical research and innovation landscape. (S)
• Experience of commissioning research and overseeing its delivery. (S/I)
• Experience working with government departments or in a policy-influencing or strategy role. (S)

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning.

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance.

For further information on our benefits please see: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Security Note: Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window). See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.