Director of National Systems Change

Macmillan Cancer Support

Hybrid. The Forge, 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, 105 Sumner Street, London SE1 9HZ

  • Location Hybrid. The Forge, 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, 105 Sumner Street, London SE1 9HZ
  • Sector Not For Profit
  • Client Macmillan Cancer Support
  • Job Type Fixed Term Contract
  • Salary/Remuneration £107,500 - £114,500
  • Reference GSe132316
  • Closing Date Friday 8th May 2026

Fixed Term Contract: 18 months (Family Leave Cover)

Change the system. Improve outcomes for everyone affected by cancer. Increase Impact

Cancer does not impact people equally. Where you live, who you are, and how systems respond can radically shape your experience and chances of survival. While excellent services matter, it is national decisions, incentives, policies and partnerships that ultimately determine whether outcomes improve - or inequalities persist.

We are seeking an outstanding Director of National Systems Change to lead our work at the highest level of influence: shaping policy, convening partners and driving the conditions for transformational change across the cancer system in all four nations of the UK.

This is a leadership role for someone who wants to operate at scale – and who understands that lasting progress comes from changing systems, not simply navigating them.

 

Why this role matters

The cancer system is at a critical juncture. Demand is rising, the health system is under sustained pressure, and inequalities in outcomes remain stubborn and unacceptable. Incremental change is no longer enough.

This role exists to help shift the centre of gravity -  to ensure that evidence, lived experience and partnership power are translated into national decisions that deliver fairer outcomes for everyone affected by cancer, particularly those facing the greatest disadvantage.

As Director of National Systems Change, you will work across political cycles, institutional boundaries and sector silos. You will help frame the national conversation, influence where resources flow, and shape how innovation, evidence and good practice are adopted at scale.

 

Your leadership impact

In this role, you will:

  • Set and lead an ambitious national systems change agenda, grounded in evidence, equity and lived experience
  • Personally lead senior political and system relationships across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, influencing policy, funding and delivery
  • Position the organisation as a credible, trusted thought leader and partner of choice across the cancer and wider health ecosystem
  • Convene and steward high‑impact, cross‑sector partnerships capable of tackling entrenched systemic challenges
  • Translate research, insight and lived experience into clear national propositions that drive change in policy and practice
  • Work in close partnership with communications and engagement leaders to shape compelling national narratives and campaigns
  • Provide authoritative insight and briefing to the Executive Team and Board on policy, politics and system dynamics
  • Build organisational capability in systems thinking, impact measurement and evidence‑led influencing
  • Lead, inspire and develop high‑performing, multidisciplinary teams operating in complex and often contested environments

 

About you

You will bring senior‑level experience of delivering national systems change - likely through policy, external affairs, advocacy or partnership leadership within health, public services, research or a mission‑driven organisation operating at scale.

You will be politically astute, intellectually rigorous and deeply collaborative: able to hold authority with senior stakeholders while building trust across diverse coalitions. You will be comfortable working with ambiguity, challenge and competing interests - and clear about the values that anchor your decisions.

You will bring:

  • A strong track record of influencing national policy or system change through evidence, partnerships or advocacy
  • Credibility with government, public service leaders and senior sector stakeholders
  • Deep understanding of the four‑nations context and how policy and systems differ – and connect
  • Experience integrating lived experience, insight and data into persuasive national strategies
  • An inclusive, empowering leadership style that builds confidence, capability and accountability
  • A clear and demonstrable commitment to equity, participation and reducing inequalities

 

Why this opportunity is different

This is not a role on the margins of influence. It sits at the centre of it. You will have the authority to shape national agendas, the platform to convene powerful partners, and the responsibility to ensure that the voices of people living with cancer meaningfully influence the decisions that affect their lives.

If you are driven by impact at scale, believe that systems can - and must  - change, and are energised by the opportunity to lead work that genuinely alters the national landscape, we would be delighted to hear from you.

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