C-Further Programme Lead

C-Further Programme Lead

Salary: £80,000 – £95,000 (DOE)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (35 hours per week; flexible working considered)
Location: Stratford, London (hybrid: 1–2 days/week in office) + quarterly international travel
Reports to: Chief Business Officer
Department: Research & Innovation
Closing date: Sunday 31st August, 23:59 (early closure possible if high applications received)

About the Role
We’re seeking a visionary Programme Lead to spearhead C-Further—a pioneering initiative accelerating breakthrough therapies for childhood cancers.

This is a high-profile leadership role where you’ll shape strategy, drive delivery across core workstreams, and represent C-Further globally. You’ll lead expert teams, manage multi-million-pound budgets, and forge strategic partnerships across academia, industry, government, and patient communities. As a visible ambassador, you’ll champion patient involvement and inspire collaboration to bring hope to children and families impacted by cancer.

About Us
This role sits within Cancer Research Horizons, the innovation engine of Cancer Research UK. With exclusive access to £300m annual research investment, we’ve helped form over 60 startups and delivered 11 cancer drugs to market, with more than 6 million doses reaching patients worldwide.

C-Further is a global consortium reimagining childhood cancer drug development—uniting researchers, clinicians, investors, and patients to overcome the barriers that stall or prevent therapeutic breakthroughs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the joint management team with partners LifeArc across project sourcing, partnerships, communications, and patient involvement.
• Manage a cross-functional team, securing internal resources and outsourcing where needed.
• Oversee a portfolio of approved research programmes with scientific leads.
• Act as a visible ambassador, leading senior stakeholder engagement across academia, charities, industry, and government.
• Serve as the key contact for governance bodies including the Steering Committee and Scientific Advisory Board.
• Own the C-Further budget, ensuring cost-effective allocation and accurate forecasting.
• Collaborate on strategy for translating and commercialising assets from C-Further.
• Design and deliver a fundraising campaign with Philanthropy & Fundraising teams.
• Implement and embed patient involvement throughout all programme activities.

About You

• PhD (or equivalent) in a scientific or healthcare discipline (oncology preferred).
• Proven leadership of complex, high-value initiatives in research or healthcare.
• Visible thought leader, confident representing at high-profile events.
• Fundraising experience in commercial or philanthropic settings.
• Strong knowledge of therapeutic discovery, development, and commercialisation.
• Track record of building and maintaining strategic partnerships.
• Skilled in navigating governance, legal, and contractual frameworks.
• Inclusive leader, able to inspire and guide multi-disciplinary teams.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary plus excellent benefits.
• Flexible working and a supportive, inclusive culture.
• Career development opportunities with global impact.
• The chance to lead a ground-breaking international initiative in childhood cancer.

How to Apply
Applications close 31st August 2025, 23:59. Apply early to avoid disappointment as the role may close sooner.
We use anonymised shortlisting to ensure fairness. CVs will be requested at interview stage; please complete the online application form in full.

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