Leadership Development Lead 

Reports to: Head of Leadership, Learning and Culture

This is a full-time, permanent role on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Leadership Development Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping leadership capability across the Francis Crick Institute.

Leadership has a significant impact on the experience of our people, the effectiveness of our teams and, ultimately, our ability to deliver world-leading science. This role will be central to helping the organisation understand what great leadership looks like at the Crick and ensuring our leaders are equipped to succeed in a complex and evolving environment.

A key focus of the role will be understanding the unique context in which leadership operates at the Crick. You will take the time to understand the challenges, opportunities and realities faced by scientific leaders and managers, using this insight to shape leadership development interventions that are relevant, evidence-based and aligned to organisational needs.

You will also play an important role in helping the organisation evaluate and strengthen its leadership culture. By identifying themes, patterns and opportunities across the organisation, you will support informed decision-making and help ensure leadership development activity is focused where it can have the greatest impact.

This is a role for someone who combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You will be equally comfortable facilitating a leadership programme, coaching a senior leader, analysing organisational challenges or shaping future leadership priorities.

The role offers a unique opportunity to influence leadership capability within one of the world's leading biomedical research institutes, contributing to an environment where exceptional people can do exceptional work.

About you

You are an experienced leadership development professional with the credibility, judgement and expertise to work effectively with senior leaders, managers and scientific experts.

You understand that leadership development is not about delivering programmes in isolation. It is about understanding the organisation, identifying the factors that influence leadership effectiveness and creating practical solutions that enable people and teams to perform at their best.

You combine strategic thinking with a practical, delivery-focused approach. You are confident designing and facilitating development interventions, coaching leaders, evaluating impact and using evidence to inform future activity.

You will bring

Essential

• Substantial experience in leadership development. *
• Proven track record of achieving positive results through leadership development programmes and initiatives that align with current and future learning needs and long-term strategic goals. *
• Credibility partnering and working with senior leaders and technical experts.
• Strong programme design and facilitation capability.*
• Confident working at pace and navigating ambiguity, with the ability to balance strategic vision with practical delivery.
• Skilled in managing cross-functional projects with measurable outcomes, using people data and insights to inform design and evaluate impact.*
• A credible leader and strategic partner, able to influence at all levels.