Head of Design, Commercialisation and Innovation

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design, Commercialisation and Innovation

Company: UKRI (UK Research and Innovation)

Location: Swindon, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time, Fixed-term (12-month parental cover)

Category: Government & Public Sector / Science & Research / Art & Design / Management & Leadership

Date Posted: 11 June 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years (inferred)

Remote Status: On-site (with flexible working options considered)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and day-to-day execution of the Arts and Humanities Research Council's (AHRC) initiatives in design, commercialisation, and innovation to align with UKRI's overarching R&D strategy.

• Manage and develop a dedicated team, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring effective delivery of key strategic investments and programmes within the creative and cultural economy.

• Oversee the management of significant programme budgets, ensuring robust financial stewardship, reporting, and risk management practices are in place.

• Actively engage with internal and external stakeholders, including government bodies, research institutions, and industry partners, to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and drive innovation impact.

• Contribute to AHRC's Senior Management Team (SMT), playing a key role in shaping future strategies and program development for the arts and humanities research sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is a fixed-term parental cover for 12 months, which suggests a need for immediate impact and a strong ability to quickly integrate and manage existing portfolios. The emphasis on "Design, Commercialisation and Innovation" within an arts and humanities context indicates a focus on translating research outputs into tangible economic and societal benefits, a key GTM (Go-To-Market) objective for research councils.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the team's portfolios, aligning with UKRI's R&D strategy for the creative and cultural economy and AHRC's strategic vision.

• Coordinate the development and implementation of AHRC's commercialisation strategy, ensuring it is embedded across relevant directorates and aligns with applicant-led funding opportunities.

• Oversee the delivery of AHRC's Design investments as part of the IS8 Creative Industries Programme, including supervising the "Future Observatory: Design the Green Transition" investment.

• Manage AHRC's relationship with the Design Council, ensuring strategic alignment, maximizing impact, and overseeing the framework agreement, including the delivery of a year 2 gateway review.

• Lead the ongoing development of a commercialisation and innovation portfolio for AHRC, considering organizational strategy, priorities, and market trends.

• Ensure good governance through the oversight of appropriate Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), reporting, and risk management across the team's remit.

• Manage programme budgets effectively, ensuring financial stewardship and accountability for all allocated funds.

• Build and maintain strong links across UKRI to support the delivery of the IS8 Creative Industries Programme and encourage cross-disciplinary engagement in design and arts/humanities innovation.

• Broker and maintain relationships with key external partners and collaborators to foster strategic alliances and amplify research impact.

• Lead and manage a programme team, ensuring individual development, performance, and effective collaboration within the team and with the broader Creative Industries team.

• Inform ongoing resource planning to support the long-term delivery of the team's portfolio and strategic objectives.

• Ensure close collaboration between the Design and Innovation team and the Creative Industries team, promoting strong cross-AHRC team working and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic oversight, operational program management, and stakeholder relationship building. The specific mention of the "IS8 Creative Industries Programme," "Future Observatory: Design the Green Transition," and the "Design Council" suggests that candidates with prior experience in these or similar government-funded innovation initiatives will have a significant advantage. Managing programme budgets and ensuring MEL are critical operational aspects of this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent practical experience in a relevant field. Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in leading the development and delivery of major, complex projects and/or programmes of public investment.

• Proven experience in leading and managing people and teams, fostering engagement, collaboration, and effective performance.

• Experience within the research funding landscape, with specific knowledge of AHRC strategy, programmes, and the priorities within Design, Commercialisation, and Innovation (DCI). Required Skills:

• Strategic leadership and vision for design, commercialisation, and innovation.

• Expertise in portfolio management and programme delivery, especially within public investment contexts.

• Strong commercialisation strategy development and implementation skills.

• Proficiency in budget management and financial oversight for large-scale programmes.

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities, both internal and external.

• Effective team management and people development skills.

• Advanced critical thinking skills for strategic planning and problem-solving in a dynamic environment.

• Demonstrated confidence in evidence-based decision-making and horizon scanning for future trends.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.

• Proactive problem-solving skills and the ability to work flexibly to achieve objectives.

• Understanding of good governance principles, including MEL, reporting, and risk management.

• Experience in resource planning and long-term strategic development. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with the UKRI framework and its constituent research councils.

• Familiarity with innovation ecosystems and the translation of research into economic and societal impact.

• Knowledge of the R&D strategy for the creative and cultural economy in the UK.

• Experience managing relationships with national bodies like the Design Council.

• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ years" experience level is inferred from the seniority of the "Head of" title and the requirement to lead complex programmes and teams. The emphasis on "equivalent experience" acknowledges that a formal degree might not be the sole determinant if substantial, relevant professional experience is demonstrated, particularly in public sector programme delivery or innovation management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated ability to manage the delivery of significant public investment programmes, showcasing a structured approach to project lifecycles from inception to evaluation.

• Evidence of developing and implementing strategies for commercialisation and innovation, with clear examples of how research outputs were translated into tangible benefits.

• Experience in overseeing or contributing to Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks for large-scale initiatives, demonstrating an understanding of impact measurement and reporting.

• Examples of managing programme budgets, including forecasting, allocation, and financial oversight, to ensure efficient use of public funds and achievement of objectives.

• Case studies or examples of successfully managing relationships with key external bodies and partners, such as national design councils or innovation agencies, highlighting collaborative achievements. Process Documentation:

• Ability to design and document clear workflows for programme delivery, investment management, and stakeholder engagement processes.

• Experience in establishing and maintaining robust reporting mechanisms, including progress updates, risk assessments, and financial reports for senior management and stakeholders.

• Proficiency in developing and implementing processes for strategic planning, horizon scanning, and evidence-based decision-making within a research and innovation context.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific systems aren't mentioned, the role implies a need for strong project management, CRM (for stakeholder management), and potentially financial management software proficiency. The emphasis on "portfolio management" and "programme delivery" means candidates should be prepared to showcase their approach to managing multiple concurrent initiatives, budgets, and diverse stakeholder groups through their portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £58,589 per annum (UKRI Band F).

• This is a fixed salary for the role as advertised. Benefits:

• Pension: An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, providing long-term financial security.

• Annual Leave: 30 days' annual leave plus 10.5 public and privilege days (pro-rata for the fixed-term contract).

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working options and a commitment to employee wellbeing.

• Discounts & Offers: Access to employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.

• Support: Employee assistance programme offering confidential help and advice.

• Sustainable Commuting: Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.

• Continuous Learning: Commitment to employee development and a culture of continuous learning.

Working Hours: Full Time (37 hours per week, with flexible and part-time working considered). The fixed-term nature of the role may influence the flexibility available, but discussions are encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is clearly stated. The benefits package is comprehensive, particularly the defined benefit pension and generous annual leave, which are attractive to public sector professionals. The mention of flexible working options is important, though the fixed-term, parental cover nature might influence the extent of this flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector / Science & Research / Arts & Humanities. UKRI is the national funding agency for research and innovation, bringing together seven research councils, Research England, and Innovate UK.

Company Size: Large (UKRI is a significant organization with multiple constituent bodies). This scale offers opportunities for broad impact and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: UKRI was established in 2018, consolidating existing research councils. This indicates a modern, integrated approach to research funding and innovation strategy.

Team Structure:

• The Head of Design, Commercialisation and Innovation will head up a small team.

• They will work closely alongside the Creative Industries team.

• The role reports to AHRC’s Associate Director for Creative Industries.

• The position is a member of AHRC’s Senior Management Team (SMT). Methodology:

• Data-Driven Strategy: UKRI emphasizes evidence-based decision-making and horizon scanning to inform its R&D strategy and investment priorities.

• Collaborative Delivery: The organization fosters cross-disciplinary engagement and works collaboratively with various stakeholders to maximize the impact of research and innovation.

• Impact Focus: A core methodology is to ensure that funded research contributes to the UK's economic success, knowledge economy, and societal well-being, with a strong emphasis on innovation.

Company Website: www.ukri.org / AHRC Specifics: https://www.ukri.org/councils/ahrc/

📝 Enhancement Note: UKRI's structure as an umbrella organization for multiple research councils means this role operates within a well-established, government-backed framework. The culture likely values strategic thinking, collaboration, and a commitment to public service and research excellence. The "Design, Commercialisation and Innovation" focus suggests a drive towards translating academic outputs into practical applications, a key GTM objective.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Head of Department. This role signifies a leadership position responsible for strategic direction, team management, and significant programme oversight within a specialized domain.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Associate Director for Creative Industries, indicating a clear line of reporting within the AHRC structure. Membership in the Senior Management Team (SMT) provides visibility and influence across broader organizational strategy.

Operations Impact: The role is pivotal in shaping AHRC's engagement with design, commercialisation, and innovation, directly impacting the translation of arts and humanities research into economic and societal benefits. This influences the broader UK innovation agenda and knowledge economy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Experience leading a team and contributing to SMT provides a strong foundation for further senior leadership roles within UKRI or other public sector organizations.

• Strategic Influence: The opportunity to shape AHRC's strategy in a critical area like commercialisation offers significant scope for strategic impact and professional growth.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Working across UKRI, with the Design Council, and various research partners provides broad exposure to different facets of the research and innovation ecosystem.

• Programmatic Expertise: Deepening expertise in managing large-scale public investment programmes, particularly those focused on innovation and commercialisation, is a valuable skill set for future roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a fixed-term role, the seniority and strategic nature of the responsibilities make it a significant stepping stone. Candidates can leverage this experience to demonstrate leadership in innovation strategy and public sector programme management, which are highly transferable skills. The "10+ years" inferred experience level aligns with the strategic and leadership demands of this position.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid/On-site. The role is based in Swindon, with flexible working options available, suggesting a modern approach to work-life balance within a government agency.

Office Location(s): Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom. This location serves as a key operational hub for UKRI.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves close collaboration with the Creative Industries team, other AHRC teams, and wider UKRI colleagues, suggesting opportunities for knowledge sharing and joint projects.

• Tools and Technology: While not explicitly detailed, a government research and innovation body like UKRI would typically utilize standard office productivity suites, project management tools, and potentially specialized grant management or CRM systems.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for close interaction with a small team, senior leadership, and external partners are inherent to the role, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility considered. This allows for structured workdays while accommodating personal needs, crucial for managing complex projects and strategic initiatives effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" status with "flexible working options" is typical for many public sector roles. Candidates should prepare for a professional office environment that encourages collaboration and adherence to organizational policies. The Swindon location is a key detail for candidates considering relocation or commuting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submission of a CV and a covering letter is mandatory. The covering letter must explicitly address how the candidate meets the essential criteria and articulate their motivation for the role and UKRI.

• Shortlisting: Applications will be assessed against the essential criteria (S, I, or S&I scoring).

• Interview: Candidates who pass shortlisting will proceed to an interview stage where they will be evaluated on further criteria. The interview is likely to include scenario-based questions and discussions about their experience.

• Assessment Focus: Emphasis is placed on the content of the CV and covering letter for shortlisting, indicating the need for clear, concise, and evidence-based applications.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tailor to Criteria: Ensure your portfolio directly showcases examples that align with the "Essential" criteria listed, particularly regarding leadership of complex projects, strategy development (commercialisation, innovation), people management, and understanding of the research funding landscape.

• Quantify Impact: For any project or programme highlighted, provide quantifiable results. For commercialisation initiatives, this could include economic impact, new ventures created, or IP generated. For programme delivery, focus on milestones achieved, budget adherence, and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Document Process: Showcase your ability to document processes through examples of strategy documents, programme frameworks, MEL plans, or risk management reports you have developed or overseen.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Include examples of successful partnerships, cross-functional team leadership, and managing relationships with external bodies like the Design Council.

• Conciseness: Given the application requires a covering letter and CV, any portfolio elements should be easily digestible and directly relevant. Consider a concise summary or key case studies rather than an exhaustive collection.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Thinking: Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing and implementing innovation and commercialisation strategies within a public sector context.

• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you manage teams, resolve conflicts, and motivate individuals, especially in a fixed-term or project-based environment.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you have managed complex relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, research institutions, and industry partners.

• Problem-Solving: Think about how you would approach challenges related to budget constraints, shifting priorities, or ensuring research impact.

• UKRI Context: Research UKRI's mission, the AHRC's role, and current priorities in the creative industries and innovation agenda to demonstrate informed interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on the covering letter and CV for shortlisting is crucial. Candidates need to be highly articulate in detailing their experience against the specified criteria, making this a critical part of the application. The "Disability Confident Employer" status means candidates who self-identify and meet essential criteria will be shortlisted, which is an important consideration for diverse applicants.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar for managing project timelines, tasks, and team progress.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft 365 suite (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive) or Google Workspace for communication, document sharing, and collaboration.

• Presentation Software: Strong skills in PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for developing and delivering strategic presentations to senior management and external stakeholders.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing and storing critical project documentation, reports, and governance records.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, a role involving MEL and budget management may require familiarity with Excel for data analysis and reporting, and potentially BI tools for dashboard creation.

• Reporting Frameworks: Understanding of frameworks for monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) is essential.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) could be beneficial for managing stakeholder relationships and tracking engagement, although not explicitly stated as a requirement.

• Financial Management Systems: Familiarity with government or organizational financial management systems for budget tracking and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The absence of specific tool requirements suggests that transferable skills in project and budget management, communication, and strategic reporting are prioritized over specific software proficiency. However, demonstrating experience with standard office productivity and project management tools will be expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Strategic Impact: A drive to translate research into tangible societal and economic benefits, aligning with UKRI's mission.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on working effectively across teams, with partners, and within the Senior Management Team to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence in Delivery: Commitment to high standards in project management, financial oversight, and programme effectiveness.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Encouragement of forward-thinking approaches to commercialisation and innovation, and the ability to adapt to a changing landscape.

• Evidence-Based Decision-Making: A culture that values data and evidence in strategic planning and operational execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expected to work closely with the Creative Industries team and other AHRC/UKRI departments to ensure cohesive strategy and delivery.

• Partnership-Oriented: Actively builds and maintains relationships with external partners, including the Design Council and other key collaborators, to foster a network of innovation.

• Open Communication: Encourages clear and open communication within the team and with senior leadership to facilitate effective decision-making and problem-solving.

• Mentorship and Support: As a team leader, fosters a supportive environment for team members to develop and perform to their best.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are inferred from UKRI's mission and the described responsibilities. Roles in public sector innovation and research funding typically value integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to public good. The "Design, Commercialisation and Innovation" mandate implies a proactive, results-oriented approach within this framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fixed-Term Nature: Adapting to a 12-month contract while needing to deliver significant strategic impact and manage ongoing programmes requires strong focus and efficiency.

• Balancing Strategy and Delivery: Effectively balancing high-level strategic planning for commercialisation with the day-to-day operational management of complex programmes and a team.

• Stakeholder Complexity: Navigating diverse stakeholder interests, including academic researchers, industry partners, government bodies, and internal UKRI departments.

• Translating Arts & Humanities Research: Bridging the gap between academic research in arts and humanities and practical commercialisation or innovation outcomes can be complex.

• Resource Management: Effectively managing programme budgets and team resources to maximize impact within defined constraints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Developing strategic leadership skills within a large public sector organization.

• Innovation Ecosystem: Gaining deep insights into the UK's R&D and innovation ecosystem, particularly within the creative industries and arts/humanities sectors.

• Public Sector Programme Management: Enhancing expertise in managing large-scale public investment programmes, including governance, MEL, and stakeholder relations.

• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Building experience in brokering and managing relationships across academia, government, and industry.

• Team Development: Honing people management and team development skills in a leadership capacity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fixed-term nature of the role is a key challenge and opportunity. Candidates should frame their approach to maximizing impact within this timeframe, highlighting their ability to hit the ground running and deliver results quickly. This role provides excellent exposure to high-level strategic challenges in innovation policy and delivery.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a commercialisation strategy for arts and humanities research, citing specific examples of how you've driven innovation impact." (Focus on process, evidence, and outcomes).

• "How would you manage the AHRC's relationship with the Design Council to ensure strategic alignment and maximize mutual benefit?" (Prepare specific ideas for collaboration and governance).

• "Given the 12-month fixed-term nature, how would you prioritize your efforts to ensure maximum impact in leading the design, commercialisation, and innovation portfolios?" (Emphasize strategic prioritization and rapid assessment). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about UKRI's mission and the AHRC's role in the UK's research and innovation landscape?" (Research UKRI's strategy, AHRC's remit, and the importance of arts/humanities research).

• "How would you foster collaboration within your team and with the wider Creative Industries team and other UKRI departments?" (Discuss your leadership style and communication strategies).

• "Describe a time you had to influence senior stakeholders to adopt a new strategy or approach. How did you manage differing perspectives?" (Prepare a STAR method response focusing on impact and persuasion). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 2-3 significant projects or programmes from your experience that best demonstrate your capabilities in leading complex initiatives, developing commercialisation strategies, managing budgets, and leading teams.

• Structure Case Studies: For each case study, clearly outline: the challenge, your role and approach, the actions taken, the results achieved (quantified where possible), and lessons learned.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the tangible outcomes of your work, particularly in driving innovation, economic impact, or societal benefit, as this aligns with UKRI's objectives.

• Demonstrate Process: Be prepared to discuss the processes you used for strategic planning, programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, and risk management.

• Address Criteria Directly: Explicitly link your portfolio examples back to the essential criteria mentioned in the job description.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should strongly emphasize the candidate's ability to quickly understand and contribute to UKRI's specific mission and the AHRC's strategic objectives, particularly concerning the translation of research into innovation and commercial value. Demonstrating an understanding of public sector funding mechanisms and governance is also key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design, Commercialisation and Innovation position:

• Submit Application Online: Navigate to the provided URL and complete the online application form.

• Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date, clearly outlines your experience, and highlights achievements relevant to leadership, programme management, commercialisation, and innovation.

• Write a Targeted Covering Letter: This is critical. Your covering letter must:

  • Explicitly address each essential criterion listed in the job description.
  • Articulate your motivation for applying to UKRI and this specific role.
  • Demonstrate your understanding of AHRC's mission and the importance of design, commercialisation, and innovation in arts and humanities research.
  • Include the job reference number in the filename of your uploaded documents.

• Prepare Your Portfolio (if requested/for interview): While not explicitly requested for initial submission, be ready to present a portfolio or detailed case studies during the interview process, focusing on your most relevant achievements in leadership, strategic development, and programme delivery.

• Research UKRI and AHRC: Familiarize yourself with UKRI's strategy, AHRC's key programmes (especially those related to creative industries and innovation), and the Design Council's role. Understand their goals and how this role contributes to them.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions. The emphasis on the covering letter and specific criteria means a generic application will likely not succeed.