The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) seeks an accomplished and visionary leader for the role of Life Sciences Industry Director. Reporting directly to the NIHR Scientific Director of Innovation and the DHSC Deputy Director of Clinical Trials, this senior-level position is pivotal in shaping the future of life sciences innovation in partnership with industry. This role will be hosted by the LGC Group.
As a strategic leader, the Life Sciences Industry Director will drive NIHR's commercial activities, delivering excellence across critical domains:
* Expanding life sciences partnerships and fostering sustainable growth
* Accelerating delivery and success of commercial clinical trials
* Engaging and supporting SMEs to realise their potential in the healthcare ecosystem
This role entails direct leadership and matrix management of high-performing teams and senior stakeholders, including:
* Head of Business Development, NIHRCC
* Director of External Affairs and Strategic Partnerships
* Head of Business Development and Marketing, RDN
* Head of the Vaccine Innovation Pathway
The Life Sciences Industry Director will be at the forefront of NIHR’s mission to connect groundbreaking research with meaningful healthcare solutions, advancing health and prosperity for all. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a dynamic individual to make a lasting impact in the life sciences sector.
Job Description
NIHR has reviewed its industry engagement approach. The final report (accepted 13/2/25) outlines several recommendations, including recruiting a Life Sciences Industry Director to report to the Scientific Director of Innovation at NIHR and join the NIHR national leadership team. This role will direct and manage existing business development, external affairs, and key account teams within Commissioning Centres (e.G., RDN) and delivery units—overseeing all industry-facing functions.
Working with other directors, the postholder will help drive a transformative organisational culture, ensuring NIHR operates as a single, integrated body with shared purpose. They will lead the NIHR offer to industry, overseeing its development and strategy.
This role is pivotal to strengthening NIHR’s engagement with the life sciences sector. It will embed a strategic, coordinated approach to industry engagement, fostering a ‘One NIHR’ culture that boosts the UK’s profile as a global hub for commercial research. The role will lead implementation of review recommendations, such as unifying NIHR-wide Key Account Management (KAM) principles, supporting SME engagement, and creating consistent industry delivery metrics.
As NIHR’s lead representative to commercial companies and stakeholders, the postholder will leverage their credibility and relationships to reshape industry perception. They’ll develop and deliver strategies promoting NIHR infrastructure and the UK health and care system as a globally competitive location for health, public health, and social care research. Their leadership will ensure
NIHR meets industry research needs, builds life sciences partnerships, and fosters a seamless research ecosystem that optimises delivery.
This role requires exceptional strategic and operational knowledge of health research delivery, along with significant life sciences industry and non-commercial sector experience. As NIHR is a complex organisation, strong leadership across boundaries and in dynamic regulatory environments is essential.
The role involves working closely with health and care organisations, industry, and research funders, showing presence and inspirational leadership in high-profile settings. They will also engage with other Government departments (e.G., DBT and DIT) to ensure smooth onboarding for strategic partners and promote more UK-based research.
With a strategic mindset and strong political and policy awareness, the postholder will understand health and care research practice deeply. They will identify opportunities, navigate challenges, and maximise health research’s impact for patients, the public, and the UK economy.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide visible, dynamic, and effective leadership of NIHR’s industry touchpoints to offer high-quality, customer-focused services meeting strategic commitments.
As a senior NIHR leader, contribute to national decision-making, support development of cross-NIHR strategies and policies, and lead national programmes aligned to NIHR’s vision and objectives. Work with DHSC and NIHR leaders on complex industry-focused challenges, requiring innovative solutions.
Build influence internally and externally, acting as a credible ambassador. Command respect of senior life sciences stakeholders.
Coordinate organisational resources, manage staff performance, support professional development across NIHR, and ensure operational excellence in all industry-facing activities.
Specific duties include:
* Ensuring NIHR meets life sciences research delivery needs
* Leading strategic engagement development to attract new research, build collaborations, and enhance the UK’s research environment
* Driving capability and capacity development for life sciences research, optimising existing services, and expanding to meet evolving needs
* Leading business development and marketing to ensure national and global visibility
* Developing and implementing NIHR’s industry engagement strategy with key partners (e.G. DHSC, NHS England)
* Leading alignment of commercial research activity across NIHR to create a unified, efficient research environment
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
This role requires a strategic, proactive leader to unify NIHR’s industry engagement, align it with organisational goals, and advance review recommendations. The successful candidate will foster infrastructure collaboration and help cement the UK as a leading research destination.
Essential:
* Extensive life sciences industry engagement experience, including national partnerships, clinical research delivery, and regulatory knowledge
* Deep understanding of UK health research landscape (NIHR infrastructure, NHS priorities, government policy)
* Proven leadership in large-scale transformation, strategic realignment, and multi-stakeholder settings
* Strong record of senior engagement across government, academia, industry, and NHS, including national/international representation
Desirable:
* Significant business development, marketing, and KAM experience
* Strong understanding of life sciences sector needs (pharma, biotech, diagnostics, med tech, digital health)
Salary & Benefits
Competitive salary reflective of the role’s seniority and impact
Performance bonuses tied to organisational and personal outcomes
25 days annual leave plus UK public holidays
Enhanced pension scheme
Executive-level life insurance
Comprehensive private healthcare
NB:
Office-based hybrid role. Minimum of 4 office days per month (usually 1 per week), subject to change. This national role involves extensive UK travel and some international travel.
Application
If you're excited to join us and meet the criteria, apply with your CV and a ‘Statement of Suitability’ highlighting your relevant experience and essential skills.