Assistant Director - Strategic Industry Partnerships

National Institute for Health and Care Research

About the Organisation

National Institute for Health and Care Research is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care to advance the health and wealth of the nation through pioneering research. As the UK’s largest funder of health and social care research, NIHR collaborates closely with the NHS, universities, local governments, other research funders, patients, and the public.

About the role

As part of the External Affairs team, you will focus on building strong relationships with companies, working as part of a cross-Government approach to building enduring partnerships with the life sciences industry. You will work closely with the NIHR Director of External Affairs & Strategic Partnerships to support and coordinate the NIHR’s involvement in the cross-Government approach to developing and managing strategic partnerships with a number of high-value life science companies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main contact within NIHR for strategic partner companies, managing planning, monitoring, and reviewing efforts to achieve partnership goals.
• Brief senior NIHR and DHSC staff on partnership activities, ensuring they are well-prepared for high-level meetings.
• Coordinate prompt, accurate responses to inquiries from strategic partners, engaging the right experts across NIHR and the UK government.
• Collaborate with NIHR Business Development and Key Account Managers, promoting NIHR services to strategic partners.
• Partner with the Head of the Vaccine Innovation Pathway PMO to keep partners informed about improvements in UK vaccine clinical trials, especially in infectious diseases and cancer.
• Facilitate seamless collaboration with other government bodies, including the Office for Life Sciences, Department for International Trade, UK Health Security Agency, and MHRA, to enhance strategic partnership delivery.

Skills, Competencies & Experience

Required Criteria:

• Proven experience working with the life sciences industry, including roles in business development, government affairs, and similar functions.
• Demonstrated experience within the UK research sector, including positions at research funding organisations, government bodies, universities, NHS Trusts, and charities.
• Comprehensive understanding of the UK’s health and care research landscape, including familiarity with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the processes for conducting clinical research within the NHS.
• Proven ability to manage, coordinate, and ensure the successful delivery of complex work programmes involving multiple partners and stakeholders.

Desired Criteria:

• Proven experience working in a research funding organisation, policy body, or other relevant research-focused environments.

Key Competencies:

• Proactive and Adaptable
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Organisational Skills
• Effective Communication
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities
• Proficient in using Google Apps and other standard IT tools 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or postgraduate in biomedical science, healthcare management, or equivalent professional experience gained through relevant employment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Performance-based bonus
• 25 days Annual Leave plus UK public holidays
• Pension Scheme
• Enhanced contributory scheme
• Life Insurance
• Comprehensive coverage
• Benenden Healthcare membership
• Season Ticket Loan

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely
• Requirement: Attend to ad hoc meetings as needed.

How to apply

• If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV to [email protected]
• For more information or an informal discussion about the role, please contact [email protected]

Interviews

• The interview will be held on 23rd June 2025

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