Director of Behavioural Science (Maternity Cover)

Lead Behavioural Science That Shapes Better Healthcare Decisions

Are you an experienced behavioural science leader who thrives on translating evidence into meaningful action?

We're looking for a Director of Behavioural Science to join HRW Shift, HRW's specialist behavioural science consultancy, on a maternity cover basis. This is a unique opportunity to lead and shape the strategic direction of behavioral science across high-impact healthcare research and consultancy projects, influence senior client decision making, develop talented behavioural scientists, and contribute to the continued growth of an award winning and respected global business.

You'll combine scientific rigour, commercial thinking and people leadership to ensure our clients receive practical, actionable insights that drive behavior chnage and improve healthcare outcomes. Working at the intersection of science and strategy, you'll play a key role in helping clients solve complex behaviorual challenges while supporting the continued evolution of Shift's offering.

About the Role

As Director of Behavioural Science, you'll provide senior leadership across a diverse portfolio of healthcare research and consultancy projects. Working closely with behavioural scientists, researchers, account teams and clients, you'll ensure the delivery of high-quality work while supporting team development and maintaining strong commercial performance.

This role combines hands-on behavioural science expertise with project oversight, client consultancy, business development and people leadership.

Key deliverable areas include:

• Behavioural Science Leadership
• Client Partnership & Business Growth
• Team Leadership & Development
• Operational & Project leadership

Why Join Shift?

In the Shift team, we combine behavioural science, healthcare expertise and rigorous research to help clients understand and influence behaviour in ways that improve outcomes for patients, healthcare professionals and healthcare systems

You'll be a commercially aware behavioural science leader with a passion for applying evidence based approaches to real world healthcare challenges.

• Significant experience applying behavioural science within healthcare research, consultancy or a related commercial environment.
• Strong understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Proven experience translating research and behavioural evidence into strategic recommendations.
• Experience leading complex projects, budgets and multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Outstanding communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Previous experience coaching, mentoring or line managing individuals or teams.

You'll Also Bring

• Excellent judgement and decision-making capability.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to inspire and develop others.
• Strong commercial awareness and client consultancy skills.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and navigating complex environments.

• Competitive Annual Leave Allowance
• Company matching pension
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hybrid working model & Flexi hours
• 4 pm Friday finishes
• Meeting Free days
• You days / Take your birthday off
• Discount portal access
• Cash back Plan
• Profit incentive Bonus
• Fruit, Snacks & Refreshments
• Team Socials, off site meetings & training days