Strategy Lead - Discovery Science

Job summary

• Job title: Strategy Lead
• Area of work: Discovery Research
• Organisation: UK-based health research charity
• Contract type: Interim
• Employment type: Full-time
• Anticipated start: ASAP
• Duration: 6 months to start off with
• Working hours: 35 hours per week (core hours 10 - 4)
• IR35 status: TBC (likely inside)
• Rate: £700 - 900/day (Umbrella/PSC Ltd - depending on IR35 determination)
• Location: London
• Working environment: Hybrid, 3 days in per week (Tuesday - Thursday)

Overview

• A major UK-based health research charity is looking to engage a Strategy Lead to help shape and streamline the strategic direction of a high-impact project launching this August. Working closely with the Discovery Science department you'll play a pivotal role in developing a forward-looking strategy that will guide the organisation's work for the next 5-10 years.
• This is a senior-level role requiring a confident, experienced strategist who can engage senior stakeholders, facilitate complex discussions, and drive clarity around deliverables. You'll be responsible for setting the strategic framework, defining key milestones, and ensuring the organisation is equipped to implement the strategy well beyond the project's six-month timeline.

Duties and responsibilities

• Strategic Expertise in Discovery Science/Research: Proven experience developing and implementing strategy (not just planning) within research, R&D, or funding environments. A strong understanding of the scientific landscape - be that in Health & Biomedical Research, Climate and Health, Discovery Science, Mental/Global Health - is essential to add value and credibility
• Senior Stakeholder Engagement: Comfortable working with and influencing senior leaders, facilitating strategic discussions, and driving alignment across complex, interdisciplinary teams.
• Data-Literate and Insight-Driven: Able to interpret and simplify complex data to inform strategic decisions. Experience using evidence and impact measurement to shape and refine strategy is key.
• Outcome-Focused Delivery: Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives from development through to implementation, with a focus on clarity, measurable outcomes, and long-term impact.
• Complex Problem Solving: Skilled in navigating ambiguity, horizon scanning, and applying structured methodologies to bring simplicity to complexity in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
• Collaborative and Inclusive: Brings diverse perspectives into strategic thinking, builds consensus across teams, and fosters inclusive, forward-looking approaches to organisational change.

Skills and experience required

• Strategic Expertise in Discovery Science/Research: Proven experience developing and implementing strategy (not just planning) within research, R&D, or funding environments. A strong understanding of the scientific landscape - be that in Health & Biomedical Research, Climate and Health, Discovery Science, Mental/Global Health - is essential to add value and credibility
• Senior Stakeholder Engagement: Comfortable working with and influencing senior leaders, facilitating strategic discussions, and driving alignment across complex, interdisciplinary teams.
• Data-Literate and Insight-Driven: Able to interpret and simplify complex data to inform strategic decisions. Experience using evidence and impact measurement to shape and refine strategy is key.
• Outcome-Focused Delivery: Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives from development through to implementation, with a focus on clarity, measurable outcomes, and long-term impact.
• Complex Problem Solving: Skilled in navigating ambiguity, horizon scanning, and applying structured methodologies to bring simplicity to complexity in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
• Collaborative and Inclusive: Brings diverse perspectives into strategic thinking, builds consensus across teams, and fosters inclusive, forward-looking approaches to organisational change.

What you need to do now

• If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk