We are recruiting for two Policy Development Managers. One is a permanent role and one is FTC of 12 months. The Policy Development Manager will be line managed by the Head of Policy Development.

Closing date - 18 July 2026

Interviews - 28 or 29 July 2026

As a key member of the Academy’s Policy Team, the Policy Manager will play an important role at a critical moment for the organisation. This role will help the Policy team to plan and deliver a new set of priorities for 2026/27. Relevant priorities for this role include, but are not limited to:  

• Improving health outcomes in the UK and internationally.  

• Mobilising the UK health research system to turn discovery into practice.  

• Making the UK the best place in the world to have a career in medical sciences.  

Within these overarching priorities, there are some distinct policy programmes the incoming Policy Development Manager is likely to work on, which could include:  

• Maximising the impact of medical sciences in prevention and early detection.  

• Transforming the generation and application of clinical evidence to speed up translation from discovery to patient impact, ensuring equitable inclusion of underserved groups.  

• Making the UK a global leader in responsible, effective and equitable AI and data use across the biomedical sciences.  

The Policy Development Manager will be line managed by the Head of Policy Development. 

The role combines programme leadership, policy development and stakeholder engagement, requiring the ability to manage complex workstreams while identifying opportunities to maximise impact and influence. 

The postholder will provide leadership to project teams, ensure the delivery of high-quality outputs, and contribute to the development of organisational priorities and partnerships across a range of policy areas. 

Key responsibilities 

• Lead the development and delivery of a portfolio of policy projects and programmes. 

• Manage projects from inception to completion, ensuring effective planning, delivery, risk management and evaluation. 

• Develop policy outputs, including reports, consultations, briefings, events and stakeholder engagement activities. 

• Build and maintain relationships with experts, policymakers, funders and other key stakeholders. 

• Convene diverse groups of stakeholders to support evidence-informed discussion and identify opportunities for collaboration. 

• Monitor developments across the external environment and identify emerging opportunities, risks and priorities. 

• Manage, support and develop members of the team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture. 

• Provide advice and updates to senior leadership on programme progress, opportunities and challenges. 

• Work collaboratively across the organisation to support strategic priorities and organisational objectives. 

• Ensure work is delivered to a high standard and contributes to the organisation's reputation, influence and impact. 

Requirements

Essential 

• Experience of leading and delivering projects or programmes involving multiple stakeholders. 

• Experience of developing policy, research and evidence. 

• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. 

• Ability to analyse complex information and translate it into clear recommendations and outputs. 

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills. 

• Experience of influencing and working collaboratively across organisational boundaries. 

• Experience of line management, coaching or supporting the development of colleagues. 

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. 

• Ability to exercise sound judgement in complex and evolving situations. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in a policy, research, healthcare, scientific, public sector or not-for-profit environment. 

• Experience managing externally funded projects or partnerships. 

• Experience convening senior stakeholders and facilitating collaborative working. 

• Understanding of how evidence is used to inform policy and decision-making. 

Benefits

We provide our staff with a comprehensive benefits package outlined as follows:  

Competitive Rewards  

• Generous pension scheme with flexible contributions – we contribute between 8% - 13% of your gross salary (with employee contributions of 3% - 8%).  

• Life assurance at three times your salary.  

Work-life Balance  

• Hybrid and agile working. 50% office attendance. 

• 26 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure days and bank holidays.  

• Buying and selling leave. 

• Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to a qualifying period).  

Wellbeing and Development  

• Complimentary subscriptions to Headspace and Classpass to support your physical and mental wellbeing.  

• Support through tailored learning and development.  

Additional Benefits 

• A range of enhanced benefits become available once you’ve completed your probation period.