Head of Transition

Company Description

LGC Ltd (www.lgcgroup.com) is an international life sciences company working with customers in the government, academic, pharmaceutical, agricultural biotechnology, food, environment, security and sports sectors.

LGC’s Grant Management Group (GMG) works with UK government departments and arm’s length bodies to support medical and health research across the UK. Our activities include funding call management, contract management and Intellectual Property management. We work with senior level stakeholders in academia, the NHS, government and industry to promote improvements in medical and health care in the UK and overseas.

Job Description

As Head of Transition, you will be responsible for coordinating activities for the mobilisation of new operational contracts and leading the parallel wind-down of existing contracts, all while safeguarding continuity, compliance and performance.

Working with other senior leaders within LGC’s Grant Management Group to align LGC and customer strategic goals with design and development of new and revised services, you will lead the planning and execution of a smooth transition from contract award to full operational readiness. This role involves managing all aspects of mobilisation, including developing plans, managing risks, coordinating resources, and ensuring effective communication with stakeholders. The Head of Transition will also focus on minimizing disruption, maximizing efficiency, and delivering the contract within agreed-upon timelines and budget.

Key Responsibilities:

Developing and Implementing Mobilisation Plans: Creating detailed plans, timelines and documentation for the contract(s), outlining the steps needed to move from contract award to full operational delivery. 

Managing the Mobilisation Process: Overseeing all phases of mobilisation, ensuring activities are completed on schedule and within budget. 

Risk Management: Identifying potential risks and issues associated with the mobilisation process, developing mitigation strategies in conjunction with other senior managers, and maintaining a risk register. 

Stakeholder Management: Maintaining regular communication with internal and external stakeholders, managing expectations, and providing updates on progress. 

Resource Management: Coordinating the allocation and utilisation of resources (people, equipment, etc.) to support the mobilisation process

Ensuring Compliance: Ensuring all mobilisation activities comply with relevant regulations, company policies, and contractual obligations. 

Leading and Motivating Teams: Providing leadership and guidance to the mobilisation team, fostering collaboration, and ensuring a positive and productive work environment. 

Reporting and Documentation:Preparing regular progress reports for stakeholders, documenting key decisions and actions, and maintaining accurate records of mobilization activities. 

Qualifications

• Skills and Experience: 
• Required Criteria 
• Proven track record in complex service mobilisation and transition management, preferably within a similar industry or context
• Strong project management skills, including experience in developing and managing project plans, budgets and timelines with diverse teams and structures.
• Significant experience of working with HR and legal specialists to manage TUPE related activities including staff transfers in and out of an organisation
• Experience of delivering organisation culture change related activities and maintaining staff engagement during times of change
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and stakeholder management and engagement skills including with senior executives, policy makers, and delivery partners.
• Experience of collaborating with other organisations to align transition plans with wider goals
• Solid experience in risk management and issue resolution.
• Ability to lead in ambiguity, make evidence-based decisions, and drive clear outcomes in complex environments.
• Commercial and financial literacy, including budget management, performance tracking, and value-for-money delivery.

Desired Criteria

• Familiarity with the NIHR, UKRI, or similar scientific research commissioning environments.
• Experience transitioning projects in politically sensitive or multi-agency contexts.
• Understanding of healthcare commissioning, innovation funding, or public sector consultancy.
• Strong grasp of change management principles, organisational design and cultural alignment strategies.
• An ability to negotiate with customers and other service delivery organisations to agree cohesive plans for redesign and implementation of new and revised services

Qualifications And Knowledge

• A degree or equivalent qualification in business, management, health, or a related discipline.
• Expertise in commercial contract delivery, risk frameworks, and performance assurance.
• Ability to translate strategic goals into executable plans and tangible outcomes.

Additional Information

Compensation, Benefits & Working Arrangements:

• Salary: Executive level, commensurate with experience 
• Location: Twickenham , London / Hybrid working model
• Contract Type: Full Time, 12-18 Month Fixed Term Contract
• Working Hours: 7.5 hours per day
• Annual Leave: 25 days, plus UK public holidays

Employee Benefits Include:

• Annual bonus, subject to company performance
• Enhanced Contributory Pension Scheme
• Life Insurance Cover
• Benenden Healthcare Membership
• Training and Development Opportunities 
• Season Ticket Loan  

NB: This is a hybrid role based at our office in Twickenham, London with a minimum requirement of one in-office day per week. This requirement may increase based on team needs or operational demands.

How to Apply
If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a 'Statement of Suitability' that showcases your key skills and experiences in relation to the 'Required Criteria' outlined in the job description. Additionally, share your enthusiasm for working with the LGC Group. 

Inclusion and Diversity
LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.