Head of Research Programmes Analysis, Development and Management

Head of Research Programmes Analysis, Development and Management The Welsh Government operates name-free recruitment. The recruiting panel will not see personal information such as a candidate's name and address during the sifting process. This policy is in line with our commitment to end bias and promote equality and diversity.

Vacancy details ID 3830

29/09/2026, 16:00

Advertising basis Permanent

Salary range or pay band Grade 7 £61,098 to £73,057

Work pattern Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)

Group Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Group

Directorate Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales

Branch Research Programmes

Location (s) Pan Wales

'Pan Wales' means the post holder can be based in any Welsh Government office, subject to business needs. Roles based outside Wales, including London, are not available unless explicitly stated in the advert.

A list of the Welsh Government's offices can be found on Please note it may not always be possible to accommodate a preference for a specific office location.

The post holder's travel from their home to their assigned Welsh Government office is considered their 'ordinary commute' and must be done in their own time and at their own cost.

Purpose of post The Welsh Government Office for Science, led by the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that government programmes, policies and decisions are informed by robust scientific evidence and strategic foresight.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead on the design, analysis and delivery of strategic research and innovation programmes. This is a unique opportunity to work at the interface of science, policy and public impact.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead strategic partnerships with key research funders such as Medr (Commission for Tertiary Education and Research) and other national and international RD&I bodies.
• Advise on funding mechanisms, delivery structures and research translation, ensuring that science and technology investments deliver real-world benefits.
• Conduct performance analysis of Welsh Government, UKRI and European Commission-funded programmes to identify what works, what doesn't, and how future programmes can be improved.
• Provide expert advice to the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales on science and technology policy, evidence generation, and programme impact.

Science is about more than discovery - it's about impact. This role ensures that research programmes are not only well-designed but also deliver measurable outcomes that benefit society, the economy and the environment. You'll help shape how Wales invests in science and innovation, ensuring maximum return on investment and long-term strategic value.

Main Responsibilities

• Strategic Programme Leadership
  Lead the development and delivery of high-impact programmes, including the potential launch of a Technology Transfer Office in Spending Review 2026/27.
• Scientific Analysis & Reporting
  Analyse complex scientific and technical datasets, producing clear and timely insights to inform strategic decisions. Prepare technical reports and Ministerial briefings that influence policy and funding.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
  Drive engagement across the health and life sciences sectors, working closely with Welsh Government colleagues and external partners. Lead on marketing, publicity, and events to promote programme visibility and impact.
• Policy & Advisory Support
  Provide expert advice to the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, Ministers, and senior officials on research strategy, funding mechanisms, and performance outcomes. Conduct horizon scanning to identify emerging opportunities and risks.
• Cross Government Collaboration
  Represent the Office for Science on internal and external working groups, ensuring alignment across departments and promoting Welsh interests in UK-wide and international research forums.

Key Tasks

• Lead the analysis, development, and delivery of Welsh science and technology initiatives, ensuring value for money and measurable success.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including UKRI, research charities, and industry partners.
• Advise on administrative and policy matters affecting external research organisations and funders.
• Influence UK Government and UKRI strategies to ensure Welsh priorities are reflected and supported.
• Support the CSA in promoting scientific excellence, attracting investment, and maximising societal and economic benefits from RD&I.
• Maintain active links with the academic sector and contribute to strategic discussions on science and innovation.
• Analyse large volumes of research portfolio data and present findings to senior colleagues in a clear, concise format.
• Lead on data gathering, communications, and event planning related to your programme areas.
• Draft high-quality technical reports and Ministerial papers.
• Undertake any additional duties as required by the CSA or Head of Science.

This is a high-trust, high-impact role. You will be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, using your expertise and judgement to drive forward complex work programmes with minimal supervision. You'll have significant discretion in how you approach your objectives and will be responsible for identifying and navigating issues with potential policy or political implications.

Given the strategic importance and visibility of the work, your contributions will directly influence the Welsh Government's reputation with both internal and external stakeholders. This is an opportunity to shape science and innovation policy at a national level, while working closely with senior leaders and decision makers.

Other vacancy related information The Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales is based in Cathays Park, Cardiff. The successful candidate will be expected to travel within Wales and elsewhere to visit stakeholders and others in pursuit of the role. They will be expected to travel to Cardiff CP2 frequently for team meetings and workshops.

An in tray exercise on Technical 1 will be required at the start of the interview process, i.e. the first engagement activity. More information will be provided in the invitations to that stage. Interviews will be held in person at our Cathays Park office in Cardiff.

A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months.

In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the assessment criteria: Experience 2.

Technical 2. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

In the case of more than one candidate scoring the same, the panel has decided the following criteria to determining the merit order:

• Experience 2.
• Technical 1.
• Experience 3.
• Technical 2.
• Experience 1.

Previous candidates for this post are welcome to reapply with a fresh application, noting that the criteria have been amended slightly.

A STEMM higher degree qualification is required and proof will need to be provided at interview.

Vetting level Basic

Number of posts 1

Contact point for further information regarding the post

Welsh language requirements Welsh language requirements 3 - Welsh language skills are not essential for this opportunity; you do not need Welsh language skills to apply. However, as the Welsh Government is a bilingual organisation, Welsh language skills are desirable and will be considered if two or more candidates receive the same score at the application or interview stage.

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our AI candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection Process and Stages Welsh Government, like all other Government Departments use Success Profiles when we recruit. For each role we consider what you will need to demonstrate to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job. It raises performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.

The selection process and stages are:

Number of Stages:

2 stage process

Stage 1 Application Form

Stage 2 Interview

Experience We'll assess you against the following Experience criteria during the assessment process.

Evidence to provide Experience questions

Experience 1 Use of a higher degree (by research), such as a PhD or MRes in a relevant life science, health or physical sciences or other STEMM discipline in a science policy development context.

This will be tested at stage 2: Interview.

Experience 2 Demonstrable experience of development, management and conclusion of research projects and programmes. Describe a time when you have developed and managed a research and innovation project or programme.
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