Head of Strategy and Governance

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; England; Hybrid; GBP 61,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent research institute in the UK seeks a Head of Strategy and Governance for a 12-month maternity cover. This role involves delivering strategic objectives, leading multi-year business planning, and overseeing governance. The candidate should possess strong strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills, with a relevant degree. This position offers a hybrid working model and a competitive salary package.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus Christmas closure

10% employer pension contribution

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Peer reward and recognition scheme

Dental insurance

Gym/fitness discounts

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Qualifications

• Excellent strategic thinking and vision, with the ability to translate high-level strategy into actionable objectives.
• Strong leadership and coordination skills across multiple teams.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the strategy is delivered by the organisation.
• Lead multi-year business planning and maintain objectives.
• Provide strategic leadership on key areas of the strategy.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Adaptability

Analytical skills

Education

Degree in relevant field

Job description

Salary: £61,399 - £65,157
Hybrid working (50/50)
12‑month Fixed Term Appointment
Full‑time and part‑time applications considered
The closing date for applications is 1 December, with interviews scheduled for 12 December 2025. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

At UKCEH, we're entering an exciting new chapter, and we're seeking a dynamic and collaborative Head of Strategy and Governance (12‑month maternity cover) to help shape what comes next. You'll ensure our strategy and governance drive real impact as we work to make the world a better place through our science.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Ensure the strategy is delivered by the organisation including co‑leading the programme to evolve the organisational business model.
• Lead multi‑year business planning such that we maintain a 'golden thread' from strategy down to individuals' objectives.
• Provide strategic leadership on key areas of the strategy where coordination and thought‑leadership are needed e.g. environmental and economic growth.
• Ensure the strategy adapts to major changes in the wider world.
• Strategic oversight of UKCEH's governance to ensure the correct structures and processes to support delivery, including the role of the Executive Leadership team and the Board of Trustees.
• Line management of the Executive Assistant for Governance.

The Head of Strategy and Governance is a critical leadership role that demands both vision and dynamism. This role is instrumental in shaping and executing the institute's strategic direction, ensuring our efforts align seamlessly with our mission to drive environmental research and influence global policy for a sustainable future.

We're seeking a proactive, confident leader who thrives on taking initiative and driving progress. You'll bring clarity and energy, communicating with impact and purpose. In this fast‑paced environment, your ability to stay agile – reprioritising seamlessly, responding decisively, and remaining resilient under pressure – will set you apart. While you're comfortable following direction when needed, you'll also demonstrate the independence and confidence to lead with conviction.

For the role of Head of Strategy and Governance, we're looking for somebody who has:

• Excellent strategic thinking and vision, with the ability to translate high‑level strategy into actionable objectives across all levels of the organisation.
• Strong leadership and coordination skills, particularly in areas requiring collaboration and thought‑leadership across multiple teams.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and inspire both internal and external stakeholders, including engagement at executive and board level.
• Enjoys working at pace to dive into the deeper issues our organisation faces in achieving our strategic objectives.
• Ability to digest high volumes of information quickly and identify the pertinent points.
• Adaptability, creativity, and foresight to ensure the strategy evolves in response to significant changes in the external environment.
• A degree and relevant work experience, or substantial experience in the fields of research, policy, or science communication, with a strong understanding of how science impacts and benefits society.

You'll be joining a leading independent, not‑for‑profit research institute that's committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

Working for UKCEH is rewarding

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing‑oriented perks, such as:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years' service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure.
• 10% employer pension contribution.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant).
• Peer reward and recognition scheme.
• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• 24‑hour, 365‑day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more.

Apply today!

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.

At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone – regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance – has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process – please don't hesitate to reach out. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we'd love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.

Please note:

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self‑sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.