This is the Internal Only Recruitment Site for UK Research and Innovation Staff for roles within Innovate UK (UKRI). Please apply for jobs via this site only if you are employed by UK Research and Innovation (employees with access to Innovate UK's Workday system may apply via the "Careers" application within the system). If you are not a current UKRI employee you can view vacancies at the externally advertised stage at the links given in the "About Us information on the right". If you wish to apply for the position below, please ensure that you comply with the requirements of the recruitment process by submitting both a full CV and application letter. Ideally, you should also advise your manager of your application. Applications must be submitted by 09-03-2026 DIRECTOR OF QUANTUM SALARY: £94,931 - £117,800 Per Annum HOURS: Full Time CONTRACT TYPE: Open Ended (Permanent) LOCATION: Field Based GRADE: UKRI Band X POSITIONS AVAILABLE: X1 CLOSING DATE: 08 March 26 PROPOSED INTERVIEW DATE: W/C 30 March 26 CONTEXT Quantum Technology is recognised a key growth opportunity by the UK government and one in which the UK has the opportunity to be world-leading. After a number of years of technology development, we are now transitioning into the commercialisation period. This will be the crucial phase – it’s where the UK realises the industrial potential for Quantum Technology and we help to create globally leading companies. This is not business as usual. We are seeking an exceptional leader who can define and create the new approaches to ensure that the UK’s rapidly-developing Quantum Technology companies grow, scale and remain in the UK. This will require vision, influence, the ability to manage a complex stakeholder network and the programme leadership competence to deliver a £600m portfolio of activities. The role holder will operate within the Innovate UK Digital & Technologies directorate. This role is the strategic lead for Innovate UK’s theme on Quantum Technologies as part of the government’s prime mission of growth – under the D&T growth sector within the Industrial Strategy. The role holder is responsible for managing 2-3 direct reports, with a total team size of up to 10. We particularly welcome female applicants as women are under-represented within Innovate UK in this type of role. MAIN OUTPUTS AND ACTIVITIES Develop Innovate UK’s strategy for Quantum Technologies in conjunction with, and informed by, D&T Senior Leadership and IUK SLT, ensuring connectivity and alignment across UKRI. Act as the prime Innovate UK focal to DSIT’s Quantum Critical Technology themes and support delivery of government growth objectives for the D&T sector in the Industrial Strategy. Act as a key member of the wider quantum technology leadership communities - influencing strategic technical direction at national level across industry and within government. Work collaboratively to support the creation and execution of a D&T-level vision and strategy seeking to better align individual technology themes within UKRI and government, where strategically helpful. Lead on building and fostering relationships/interaction with Place, Global, Products & Services, IUK Business Connect and Catapults in the pursuit of delivery and programmes and competitions. Provide strategic guidance and leadership in the delivery of a portfolio of strategic investment programmes within the D&T Progamme, and industry/company support in developing next generation technologies, products, and services in the area of quantum technologies. Build effective working relationships with the various senior teams and key stakeholders within and outside IUK, ensuring and safeguarding the connectivity to Innovate UK’s strategy. This specifically includes other IUK internal functions/ IUK Business Connect, EPSRC, ESRC and external to UKRI, industry, government bodies and relevant strategic and industry partners. Deliver IUK programmes in Quantum to cost, quality and schedule requirements. Will be an industry leader within the context of quantum directing the advancement of business-led innovation in this field. Build, lead and develop a team of technical and innovation specialists in an environment where change will be commo n. Deputise for Executive Director when ASSESSMENT CRITERIA (S) – Assessed at shortlisting (I) – Assessed at interview (S&I) – A ssessed at shortlisting & interview You will be a recognised leader in quantum technologies and will have demonstrated influence as a thought leader across industry and within government and will be recognised as influencing strategic technical direction at national level. (S&I) You will have the technical credibility blended with collaboration skills to create and deliver integrated programmes across multiple agencies/bodies including stakeholders of a business and political nature. ( S& I) You must have a proven track record of managing high-performance teams and complex programmes through periods of change. (S&I) Educated to degree-level or post graduate level in a relevant scientific or technical subject. (S) You will have the proven ability to work at Board and Executive Level. (S) You will have previously led the development and implementation of strategic plans and change initiatives. ( I ) INCENTIVES UKRI can offer the successful candidate: - Flexible Working - 30 days annual leave Public Holidays - Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme - Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider Visit our dedicated benefits webpage for more info: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Watch our video “Why Join Innovate UK?” here APPLICATION GUIDANCE To view the role in more detail, please contact us at seniorrecruitment@ukri.org to request a copy of the candidate pack. H ow to evidence the criteria: We encourage you to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in your cover letter to clearly demonstrate how your experience meets each of the ‘person specification’ criteria outlined in the job description. For examples of the STAR method, please visit: The STAR method | National Careers Service ’. Please ensure your CV and cover letter are no longer than two A4 pages each, using a minimum font size of 11. Once submitted, your application cannot be edited via our careers website; however, if you encounter any issues or need to update your documents, please contact us at SeniorRecruitment@ukri.org OTHER INFORMATION If you'd like to have an informal chat about the role before applying, you're welcome to get in touch with us at seniorrecruitment @ukri.org Applications must be submitted by; 09-03-2026