UK Government Relations Lead

Salary: £70,000 - £87,500

Closing date:  Monday, 31 August 2026

Contract type: Fixed Term contract (End date Oct.2027)

Interview dates: 1st stage (w/c 21/09 ) online/Remote; 2nd stage: face to face

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships. 

We committed to spend £16bn in the ten years to 2032, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

These challenges need the bold science we support, but they won’t be solved by science alone.

We are looking for a Global Government Relations Lead, UK focus to join our team on a fixed terms contract basis (end date: Oct.2027)

Where in Wellcome will I be working?

You will be working as part of a broader Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships (GRSP) team within the Strategy division, reporting to the Head of Global Government Relations.

This is an exciting time to join GRSP. In this role, you will work with government and policymakers, use political analysis to bring external insights into Wellcome, and build relationships to advance our health challenges and the role of science.

You will work with Policy and Corporate Affairs teams on coordinated political engagement with governments, public bodies, multilateral organisations, civil society, academia and research institutions.

What will I be doing? 

Working closely with the Head of Global Government Relations, you will lead, plan and manage Wellcome’s global government partnerships to influence positive change in health, science and research. You will help shape advocacy strategies across infectious disease, mental health, climate and health, and discovery research, building relationships with political stakeholders, policymakers, multilateral organisations and other partners. The role involves working with senior colleagues and high-profile external stakeholders, with occasional travel required.

As a Global Government Relations Lead, UK you will:

• Lead and deliver Wellcome’s UK government relations strategy, setting priorities, objectives and resources to maximise our impact on science and health policy.

• Develop and implement advocacy and influencing campaigns that shape government policy and advance Wellcome’s key strategic goals.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with political stakeholders, enhancing Wellcome’s profile, influence and reputation across government.

• Provide strategic insight and co-ordination on government engagement, ensuring colleagues have access to timely intelligence that informs decision-making.

• Lead, develop and motivate a high-performing team, fostering collaboration, continuous improvement and an inclusive working environment.

• Represent Wellcome externally and act as a senior spokesperson when required, while ensuring activities are delivered in line with organisational priorities, governance and budgets.

Is this job for me?

If you have experience shaping and delivering UK government relations or political strategies, building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, and influencing decision-making in complex environments, this could be an exciting opportunity for you. We're looking for someone who enjoys leading high-performing teams, managing multiple priorities, and turning strategic goals into impactful outcomes that advance Wellcome's mission.

To apply for this role please submit an updated CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Minimum Criteria: 

• Proven track record and experience of developing and delivering government relations or political  strategies in the UK.

• Experience advising senior leaders or decision-makers on UK politics

• Experience building and managing relationships with UK government, political, policy and external stakeholders to influence outcomes.

• Experience leading complex projects from planning through to delivery, including coordinating activity across multiple teams or stakeholders

Application Questions:

• Using examples please provide evidence to demonstrate that you meet the minimum criteria for this role as outlined in the job description? (Up to 500 words)

• Using short summaries please provide specific details of up to two different initiatives or projects you have been directly involved in that are relevant to this role. For each initiative or project please use up to 250 words to describe your role (e.g. team leader, team member), the purpose of the activity (i.e. its aims), and the major contributions you personally made.

You can view the full job description on our website.

You can read more about the benefits we offer our employees on our website  

Our Hybrid Way of Working 

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best.

At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do 

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at [email protected]. 

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