Strategy Delivery Manager

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; England; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in the UK seeks a Strategy Delivery Manager for a 12-month contract. This hybrid role connects strategy with operational delivery to enhance effectiveness. Candidates should have a background in strategy development and project management. Salary ranges from £48,414 to £51,377, with a strong benefits package including flexible working. Apply by 1 December to join a team committed to impactful science.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus Christmas closure

10% employer pension contribution

Flexible working arrangements

Dental insurance and fitness discounts

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

24-hour support for health and financial issues

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in strategy development or business model design.
• Experience in managing multi-faceted initiatives.
• Outstanding communication and influence skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading business model development and organisational design.
• Driving strategy delivery and implementation of business plans.
• Engaging stakeholders and facilitating collaboration across teams.
• Monitoring performance and tracking delivery against business plans.

Skills

Strategy development

Project management

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Collaboration with consulting partners

Education

Relevant project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP)

Job description

Salary - £48,414 - £51,377

Hybrid working (50 / 50)

12-months Fixed Term Appointment

Full-time and part-time(06. FTE)applications considered

The closing date for applications is 1 December, with interviews scheduled for 15, 16 & 18 December 2025. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

We are looking for a strategically minded and collaborativeStrategy Delivery Managerto identify and bridge gaps between our organisational strategy and the operational delivery of our world-leading science. This pivotal role will connect vision with implementation, ensuring that our structure, systems, and people are equipped to deliver on our ambitions.

Reporting to our Finance Director, you will work closely with our Head of Strategy in the delivery of the next phase of our 2030 Strategy, ensuring that UKCEH’s business plans and operations are set up to achieve our organisational objectives and key results.

This is a particularly exciting time to join us at UKCEH. In 2024, we launched a new five-year strategy that has been enthusiastically received across the organisation, marking the start of a period of change and renewal. Alongside this, we’ve introduced a refreshed brand identity, which will continue to roll out over the coming year.

A key element of your role will be to lead and coordinate major projects, including the evaluation and development of UKCEH’s business and operating models,working with external consultants and internal stakeholders to design and deliver the changes needed for our future success.

Your main responsibilities will include :

• Leading business model development and organisational design – Coordinating the evaluation and enhancement of UKCEH’s business and operating models, working with internal leaders and external consultants to deliver improvements.
• Driving strategy delivery – Supporting the development and implementation of multi-year business plans to ensure alignment with UKCEH’s strategic objectives.
• Bridging strategy and operations – Translating high-level strategy into actionable plans, connecting strategic priorities with day-to-day operations to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.
• Engaging stakeholders – Facilitating collaboration across teams and directorates, and communicating strategy, progress, and outcomes effectively to internal and external audiences.
• Supporting strategically important projects as required - Oversee multi-stakeholder projects including within the cultural change programme, working closely with senior leadership to ensure milestones are met and outcomes achieved.
• Monitoring performance and evaluation – Supporting the Head of Strategy in tracking delivery against business plans, assessing progress, and recommending adjustments based on evidence, performance data, and stakeholder feedback.

This post is offered as a 12-month fixed-term appointment, however the organisation is experiencing an exciting period of change, and so whilst it cannot be guaranteed, there may be potential for further extension, or expansion as the role incorporates other projects. The ideal candidate for this position will be organised, strategically minded, enjoy engaging with senior leaders on critical topics, and will remain curious when solving multi-faceted problems.

For the role of Strategy Delivery Manager, we’re looking for somebody who has :

• Demonstrated success in strategy development or business model design ideally within complex or mission-driven organisations
• Project management expertise -holding a relevant qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP) or equivalent practical experience in managing multi-faceted initiatives
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving ability, with a data-driven and outcome-focused approach
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment, balancing strategic vision with operational execution
• Outstanding communication, influence, and stakeholder management skills, including engagement at executive and board level
• Experience of the research, academic, or scientific sectors, with an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in these environments
• Experience collaborating with major consulting partners to shape and deliver organisational strategies or transformation programmes

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.