Head of Design, Commercialisation and Innovation
Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom (On-site)
Job Info
* Job Category Research Programme and Funding Management
* Apply Before 06/29/2026, 10:59 PM
* Job Identification 2418
* Posting Date 06/11/2026, 01:12 PM
* Job Shift Day
Job Description
Salary: £58,589
Grade: UKRI Band F
Contract Type: Fixed‑term – (12 month parental cover)
Hours: Full Time (flexible/part‑time working considered)
Closing date: 29 June 2026
Interviews: w/c 13th July 2026
If Fixed Term: Employees applying for any opportunity which may mean being away from your substantive role for a temporary period of time, please refer to the Recruitment Policy for further information in the first instance. If you are made an offer, please ensure you liaise with your Line Manager and the designated HR Team as soon as possible in order that implications of any move are clear and understood, prior to a move taking place.
About the Role
As the Head of Design, Commercialisation and Innovation, you will provide strategic and day‑to‑day leadership of AHRC’s work across design, commercialisation and innovation. You will be responsible for delivering key strategic investments and activities and shaping our future plans in line with UKRI and AHRC strategy.
You will head up a small team and work closely alongside our Creative Industries team, reporting to AHRC’s Associate Director for Creative Industries. You will be a member of AHRC’s Senior Management Team (SMT).
You will work flexibly and with a range of colleagues to support information sharing, business planning and reporting, and strategy and programme development.
Responsibilities
* Provide leadership, direction and momentum for the team’s portfolios in the context of UKRI’s R&D strategy for the creative and cultural economy and AHRC’s strategy and vision
* Coordinate the development and implementation of AHRC’s strategy for commercialisation
* Be an active and engaged member of the Senior Management Team
* Build and implement mechanisms and processes to support the delivery of AHRC’s Design investments as components of the IS8 Creative Industries Programme
* Supervise the Future Observatory: Design the Green Transition investment, ensuring maximum impact from its second phase
* Manage AHRC’s relationship with the Design Council, supporting strategic alignment, maximising impact and supervising the framework agreement, including the delivery of a year 2 gateway review
* Lead the ongoing development of a commercialisation and innovation portfolio for AHRC, taking into account organisational strategy and priorities
* Support good governance through oversight of appropriate MEL, reporting and risk management across the team’s remit
* Be responsible for programme budgets and ensure good budget management
* Build links across UKRI to support delivery of the IS8 Creative Industries Programme and encourage cross‑disciplinary engagement with Design and arts and humanities innovation
* Play a leading role in brokering and maintaining relationships with key partners and collaborators externally
* Work across Directorates to ensure commercialisation strategy is embedded and aligned to applicant‑led commercialisation funding opportunities
* Run a programme team, ensuring all members are supported to perform their roles well
* Inform ongoing resource planning to support the delivery of your portfolio over the longer term
* Ensure close collaboration between the Design and Innovation team and the Creative Industries team, and strong cross‑AHRC team working
Shortlisting and Interview Criteria
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
Qualifications
Knowledge / experience
* Knowledge and understanding of the research funding landscape, including AHRC strategy and programmes and the DCI priorities and portfolio
* Experience of leading the development and delivery of major, complex projects and/or programmes of public investment
* Experience of leading people and teams, including the ability to engage and influence, to collaborate at all levels and to handle multiple perspectives
Skills
* Critical thinking skills, including the ability to develop strategy in a fast‑paced, changing landscape, and confidence in evidence‑based decision‑making and horizon scanning
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly
* Problem‑solving skills and the ability to work proactively and flexibly to achieve objectives
Benefits
* Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
* 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full‑time equivalent)
* Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
* Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
* Flexible working options
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.
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