Associate Director for Strategy and Partnerships

We are currently looking for an Associate Director for Strategy and Partnerships within the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute. This is a highly visible role requiring strategic judgement, relationship leadership, negotiation at senior level, and delivery of complex institutional initiatives. As an Associate Director for Strategy and Partnerships you will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving to deliver an ambitious institutional strategy that strengthens CRUK MI’s partnerships, funding base, academic integration, and research positioning nationally and internationally.

About the role:

• Expand upon and enhance our existing strong, functional strategic relationships with The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, and Cancer Research UK centrally.
• Drive major cross-institutional initiatives including senior appointments, joint programmes, studentships, supervision models, and co-funded posts.
• Expand and diversify CRUK MI’s funding portfolio through proactive engagement with major funders including the Medical Research Council (MRC), international charities, philanthropic organisations and global funding bodies.
• Shape and operationalise CRUK MI’s research strategy in alignment with CRUK, University, and NHS partner priorities.
• Position CRUK MI as a leading international cancer research institute with strong translational integration.

About you:

You should be educated to degree level in a scientific discipline (or equivalent relevant experience) and have senior-level experience in biomedical research or a related field along with a strong understanding of the UK and international cancer research funding landscape.  You will have significant experience in strategic partnership development within academic, research, charitable or health systems along with outstanding negotiation, influencing and relationship management skills.

A PhD or MBA (or equivalent) in a relevant subject and/or a project management qualification would be desirable.  Previous experience of working within or closely with CRUK, major UKRI funders, or large research charities would be an advantage.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

Why choose Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute?

The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute (www.cruk.manchester.ac.uk), an Institute of The University of Manchester (www.manchester.ac.uk), is a world-leading centre for excellence in cancer research.  The Institute is core funded by Cancer Research UK (www.cancerresearchuk.org), the largest independent cancer research organisation in the world. In spring 2023 the Institute moved into a £150 million flagship purpose-built biomedical research centre directly attached to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (www.christie.nhs.uk), in South Manchester.

We are partnered with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest cancer treatment centres in Europe.  These factors combine to provide an exceptional environment in which to pursue basic, translational and clinical research programmes.

Take a look around the Institute

How to apply?

To apply for this position please visit our website:  https://www.cruk.manchester.ac.uk/careers/

For any informal enquiries about this post, please contact Samra Turajlić: email: samra.turajlic@cruk.manchester.ac.uk

Closing date: Tuesday 26 May 2026

Please note this vacancy will close for applications at 18:00 hours on the closing date specified.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, nationality, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status.  All appointments are made on merit.