Head of Global Research Programme

Head of Global Research Programme

Location: Central London (5 days in the office)
Salary: £70-90,000 doe+ Benefits

Our client is an internationally respected policy and research organisation dedicated to advancing economic and social progress around the world. They are seeking an exceptional leader to oversee one of their flagship global research programmes—a high-profile data platform that informs governments, international organisations, businesses, academics and policy leaders worldwide.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a globally recognised programme that shapes international conversations on economic development, governance, societal progress and public policy.

The Opportunity
As the Head of a flagship global research programme, you will be responsible for the strategic development, delivery and international impact of a complex data-led initiative. Acting as both programme leader and external ambassador, you will manage a multidisciplinary team while building influential relationships across government, diplomacy, academia, NGOs and the private sector.
The role combines strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, communications and project management, making it ideal for someone who enjoys turning complex research into meaningful real-world impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and annual delivery of a major international research programme.
• Manage and develop a specialist team responsible for research, data management, analysis and publication.
• Oversee the production of reports, digital content and public-facing outputs.
• Represent the organisation at conferences, media engagements and international events.
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders across government, international organisations, business and academia.
• Identify opportunities to increase the reach, influence and commercial value of the programme.
• Work closely with communications and events teams to maximise public engagement.
• Gather stakeholder feedback to support continuous improvement.
• Collaborate across the wider organisation to integrate the programme into broader research and policy initiatives.

About You
We’re looking for an experienced leader who combines strategic thinking with excellent programme delivery skills.
You are likely to have:

• Significant experience leading complex projects, programmes or research initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience engaging senior decision-makers.
• The ability to communicate complex research or data clearly to a wide range of audiences.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills.
• Strong presentation, public speaking and media communication abilities.
• A genuine interest in public policy, international affairs, economics, research or social impact.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to identify opportunities to broaden influence and impact.

Technical expertise in statistics or data science is not essential. More important is your ability to lead technical specialists, manage delivery and translate analytical insights into compelling narratives that influence policy and decision-making.

Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to lead a globally significant research programme with genuine international reach. You’ll work alongside respected experts, engage with senior leaders across multiple sectors and play a key role in shaping evidence-based thinking on some of the world’s most important economic and social challenges.
If you’re looking for a leadership position where your work can influence international policy, strategy and public debate, we’d love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact damon@elizabethnorman.com