Strategic Lead, Knowledge Quarter Life Sciences

Salary: £70,422–£84,394
Contract type: 2 year fixed term
Hours: 37
Location: Knowledge Quarter, London
Employer: Joint role – Camden Council & Islington Council
Work Style: Hybrid (regular presence in KQ; occasional UK/international travel)
Closing Date: Tuesday 16th June 2026 at 23:55

About the Opportunity
The Knowledge Quarter (King’s Cross & Euston) is one of Europe’s leading Life Sciences and innovation districts, bringing together globally recognised research institutions, industry leaders, investors and a fast‑growing innovation community. As the district enters its next phase, there is a significant opportunity to accelerate its growth to deliver benefits for London’s and the UK’s economy, while creating inclusive outcomes for local communities.

To help realise this ambition, Camden Council and Islington Council are seeking an exceptional Strategic Partnerships Lead – KQ Life Sciences. This is a senior, externally facing role jointly funded by both councils, focused on building high‑value public‑private partnerships, unlocking private investment and shaping the long‑term growth of the Knowledge Quarter as a world‑leading Life Sciences hub

The Role
You will provide strategic leadership for cross‑borough partnerships that support the growth of the Life Sciences ecosystem in meeting its commercial, research and growth potential. Working closely with senior partners across academia, industry and government, you will champion the Knowledge Quarter internationally and help shape its long‑term vision. Your work will also create inclusive economic outcomes for residents Camden and Islington and London.

Key Responsibilities

• Convene, co-ordinate and provide programming for the diverse range of stakeholders across the life sciences sector in the Knowledge Quarter across Camden and Islington
• Build and manage senior relationships across the Life Sciences sector to build high‑value partnerships and support private co‑investment.
• Design and deliver strategic initiatives that strengthen commercialisation and innovation capacity.
• Act as lead for inward investment, ensuring outcomes align with inclusive economic priorities and linking to London and regional inward investment activity.
• Provide expert advice to senior officers and elected members on partnerships, investment and collaboration.
• Support delivery of the vision for Life Sciences growth and position the district as a world‑leading Life Sciences hub.
• Contribute to sector‑focused marketing and communications aimed at commercial audiences.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing, collaborative team.

About You

You will bring strong strategic judgement, sector insight and influence, with a track record of delivering results in complex environments. You will have:

• Proven experience building senior‑level public–private partnerships.
• Deep knowledge of the Life Sciences sector and innovation policy landscape.
• Experience delivering complex programmes, bids or business cases.
• Strong leadership capability with a focus on economic and community impact.
• Ability to operate confidently in political settings and advise senior decision‑makers.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills across diverse stakeholders.

Who You’ll Work With
You will report jointly to the Director for Economy Regeneration and Investment (Camden) and the Director of Inclusive Economy (Islington), working closely with senior leaders across Camden and Islington, universities, research institutes, investors, developers and specialist Life Sciences organisations.

Additional information

To view the Job Profile, please CLICK HERE

To apply for this job please follow the "Apply" link. In the ‘Why you?’ section of the application you will be required to demonstrate how you meet the role criteria noted in the Job Profile under the “About You” section.

Inclusion and Belonging
At Camden, we want every colleague to feel they belong and can thrive. We welcome applications from all parts of our community, and particularly encourage people from Black, Asian and Other Ethnic Heritage communities, LGBTQ+ people, disabled and neurodiverse people, survivors of domestic abuse, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds or with care experience. We know that different voices and perspectives make us stronger, and we are committed to providing the support, adjustments and flexibility people need to succeed. Click here for more information on our commitment.

Asking for Adjustments
At Camden, we are committed to making our recruitment process barrier-free and accessible for everyone. If you need us to do something differently during the application, interview or assessment process, just let us know and we will support you. This could include providing information in an alternative format, extra time in assessments, or adjustments for disabled, neurodiverse or long-term health conditions.

Please contact us on 020 7974 6655, at resourcing@camden.gov.uk or by post to 5 Pancras Square, London, N1C 4AG. We’ll work with you to make sure the process works for you.