Head of Culture Development

Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life-changing science to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

We are seeking an energetic and experienced Head of Culture Development to lead and transform the cultural landscape of our Institute. Working closely with Institute leadership, this newly created role will focus on integrating and advancing our cultural initiatives, with a specific emphasis on embedding Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles throughout the organisation. You will be a key driver in fostering a culture aligned with our core values and organisational goals, building on an evolving framework that supports creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and inspire: Design, coordinate, and deliver the Institute’s culture development strategy in alignment with the Institute’s long-term priorities.
• Shape transformation: Drive cultural transformation by embedding sustainable new working practices and measurable improvements.
• Strategic alignment: Articulate the vision and impact of culture development to both internal and external stakeholders.
• External engagement: Represent the Institute at key cultural and EDI events and forums, positioning it as a beacon of best practice.
• Leadership: Manage and develop the wider Culture and EDI team, fostering an environment that reflects the Institute’s values.
• Change management: Provide expertise and support on all culture-related matters to leaders, HR, and other stakeholders, ensuring an inclusive and proactive feedback culture.
• Innovation & conflict management: Foster an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and conflicts are managed constructively to promote creativity and innovation.
• Cultural metrics: Develop and track cultural performance metrics, using insights to inform strategic decisions.
• Budget management: Plan and manage the Culture budget, ensuring alignment with ongoing and future commitments.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Degree in relevant subject area and/or equivalent experience
• Extensive experience leading strategic and operational programmes that drive cultural change.
• Proven experience with Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives, integrating these principles into organisational culture.
• Strong background in change management with a focus on people-centric approaches.
• Experience in research-intensive or knowledge-driven organisations (desirable).

Skills & Attributes:

• A charismatic, optimistic leader with a natural ability to inspire and motivate.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across all levels of an organisation.
• Resilient under pressure with a hands-on, proactive approach to challenges.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities and experience using data to inform decisions.
• An interest in evidence-based approaches to culture development, leveraging insights from behavioural sciences (desirable).

Application Process & Other Information:

• Please submit a CV alongside a cover letter detailing how you meet the essential criteria listed
• Salary range in the region of £80-95K
• Full time (37 hours p/w) however, part time applications considered. Please contact sb54@sanger for queries on part time hours.
• Closing Date: 20th October

Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger:

We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working; including an improved work-life balance, with more focused time, as well as the ability to organise working time so that collaborative opportunities and team discussions are facilitated on campus. The hybrid working arrangement will vary for different roles and teams. The nature of your role and the type of work you do will determine if a hybrid working arrangement is possible.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world. We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks, LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.

We want our people to be whoever they want to be because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work. That’s why we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.

Our Benefits:

We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.

Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018.  The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.

Every year the Wellcome Sanger Institute supports the visits of dozens of overseas researchers from across the globe to the Genome campus to collaborate, share insights and to undertake ground-breaking scientific research. Our reliable in-house service provides expert advice and guidance to support current and prospective staff, and visitors at various points of their journey. We are able to provide guidance through your entire journey, from initial visa application through to extensions and applications of Indefinite Leave to Remain, the service is proud to support your personal applications and those of your dependants and family members. 

For more information about our immigration service visit: https://www.sanger.ac.uk/about/careers/global-mobility-and-immigration-service/