Head of Influencing

Macmillan Cancer Support; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A coalition of health charities is seeking a Head of Influencing to lead strategic initiatives shaping UK health and care policies. This role involves collaborating with senior stakeholders, representing the coalition at events, and providing key policy insights. Ideal candidates will have proven leadership skills and experience in influencing policy, along with outstanding communication abilities. This is a unique opportunity to impact national health strategies within a mission-driven team, driving change and fostering partnerships across respected organizations.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience to inspire and empower others.
• Track record of influencing policymakers and senior stakeholders.
• Expertise in developing impactful policy through collaboration.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in strategic planning and business development.
• Strong knowledge of the UK health and care policy landscape.

Responsibilities

• Drive delivery of influencing programs and workstreams.
• Represent the Richmond Group externally at major events.
• Prepare high-quality papers and presentations for leadership.
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders in government.
• Lead policy and thought leadership projects and initiatives.
• Coordinate and inspire member networks for shared impact.
• Manage projects and budgets effectively.
• Provide line management and support team development.

Skills

Leadership and people management

Influencing senior stakeholders

Evidence-based policy development

Public speaking skills

Strategic planning

Understanding of UK social policy

Research commissioning

Project leadership

Co-production commitment

Job description

The Richmond Group of Charities is a coalition of major health and care charities working together to improve the lives of people living with long‑term conditions. We bring evidence, expertise and lived experience to the heart of policy and practice - and we're looking for an exceptional leader to help us do even more. We're seeking a Head of Influencing to work closely with our CEO to provide strategic leadership across the coalition, guide our member networks and Secretariat team, and translate our shared priorities into meaningful policy and system impact. This is a rare opportunity to influence national health and care policy at the highest levels, while supporting collaboration across some of the UK's most respected charities. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a respected national coalition shaping the future of health and care for millions. You'll join a supportive, mission‑driven team, gain exposure to sector leaders, and lead high‑impact influencing activity in a collaborative, creative environment. If you're an influential leader with a passion for improving health and care - and the drive to turn ideas into meaningful action - we'd love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Drive delivery of key Richmond Group influencing programmes and workstreams from concept to impact.
• Act as deputy to the CEO, representing the Richmond Group externally, speaking at major events, and building a strong, credible and influential national profile.
• Shape strategic leadership discussions by preparing high-quality papers, presentations and briefings for the CEO, Chair and Vice‑Chair.
• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across Parliament, government, health and care systems, and partner organisations.
• Lead the Group's policy and thought leadership portfolio, commissioning and developing compelling research, policy reports, roundtables and events.
• Support, coordinate and inspire our member networks and working groups, chairing meetings, strengthening collaboration and ensuring a shared focus on impact.
• Oversee projects and budgets, managing consultants and suppliers to ensure timely, high‑quality delivery.
• Provide empowering line management, supporting professional development and maintaining a high‑performance culture within the Secretariat team.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and people management experience, with the confidence to inspire, develop and empower others.
• A strong track record of influencing senior stakeholders, including policymakers, parliamentarians and system leaders.
• Expertise in developing evidence‑based policy, and experience driving change through partnership and collaboration.
• Outstanding written, verbal and public speaking skills, with the ability to create compelling narratives for varied audiences.
• Experience shaping strategies, business plans and shared work programmes.
• Strong understanding of the UK social policy landscape, ideally within health and care.
• Experience of commissioning or conducting research and designing and facilitating workshops and high‑level discussions.
• Project leadership experience, including budget management and working with suppliers and matrix teams.
• Commitment to co‑production and lived experience, ensuring that service users' voices guide our influencing work.