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Head of Vaccine & Immunisation Programmes - Job Opportunity at UK Health Security Agency

London, United Kingdom
Full-time
Executive
Posted: June 17, 2025
Hybrid
GBP 68,568 - 82,746 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive flexible working arrangements with hybrid model allowing 40% remote work, providing exceptional work-life balance superior to traditional government roles
Access to modern, newly refurbished core headquarters in prime city center locations with excellent transport links
Co-location opportunities with other government departments including DHSC, facilitating cross-departmental networking and career development
Inclusive organizational culture with active equality and diversity programs, creating a supportive environment for underrepresented groups
Professional development support through regular 1:1s, team meetings, and quarterly reviews, ensuring continuous career advancement
Security clearance acquisition support, enhancing future career prospects in government and defense sectors
Opportunity to work on nationally critical health security programs, providing significant career prestige and impact

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic vaccine supply chain operations across the UK's entire national immunization infrastructure, directly impacting public health outcomes for millions of citizens
Develop and implement comprehensive cost analysis frameworks for end-to-end vaccine delivery, establishing financial accountability standards that influence national health policy decisions
Drive strategic partnerships with global pharmaceutical manufacturers, negotiating multi-million pound contracts that ensure national health security resilience
Oversee performance management of critical vaccine suppliers, maintaining supply chain reliability that prevents national health emergencies
Champion matrix organizational transformation across government health functions, establishing operational excellence standards that serve as models for other agencies
Lead integrated business planning processes that align operational capabilities with national immunization policy objectives, ensuring seamless policy-to-delivery execution
Develop and secure approval for complex business cases involving substantial government investments, demonstrating complete end-to-end consideration of national vaccine program delivery
Establish robust financial forecasting and governance frameworks that ensure audit-ready compliance and support strategic government decision-making
Provide senior leadership across Commercial, Vaccines, Countermeasures and Delivery functions, fostering high-performance culture that drives collaborative delivery of critical national programs

Requirements

Education

Masters degree in Economics or a Public Health discipline

Experience

Extensive demonstrable experience working in and/or consulting on pharmaceutical supply chains or pharmaceutical supply chain related programmes

Required Skills

Experience managing substantial financial budgets with demonstrable evidence-based analysis and thinking Demonstrable experience in a leadership role and ability to lead and guide teams effectively, fostering high performance through empowerment, coaching, and learning Experience of implementing robust financial governance and compliance processes and using economic analysis to support decision making Proven experience of project management and delivering end-to-end projects by defining scope, setting priorities, and ensuring completion on time and within budget Proven expertise in drafting, reviewing, and coordinating robust and evidence-based business cases, ensuring alignment with programme objectives and securing approvals for associated spend requests Ability to identify, prioritise, and mitigate strategic and operational risks, ensure adherence to governance processes, provide critical reporting, and support effective decision-making throughout project and programme lifecycles Ability to resolve complex problems, using high levels of judgement Ability to make evidence-based decisions for continuous improvement Ability to build constructive relationships with and advise high level stakeholders and independent committees both internally and external as required Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, exercising high levels of judgement Ability to quickly understand the core aspects of vaccine programmes and how to best access the range of expertise needed across HMG to maximise impact Ability to be able to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information, and present complex and sensitive information An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
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Industry Trends

The global vaccine supply chain management sector is experiencing unprecedented transformation following COVID-19, with governments worldwide investing heavily in supply chain resilience and domestic manufacturing capabilities. This has created significant demand for senior executives who can navigate complex international pharmaceutical relationships while ensuring national health security. The UK government's commitment to health security independence has led to substantial budget increases for vaccine procurement and storage infrastructure, creating opportunities for strategic leaders who can optimize these investments. Digital transformation in pharmaceutical supply chains is accelerating, with advanced analytics, AI-driven demand forecasting, and blockchain-based tracking systems becoming standard. Organizations are seeking leaders who can bridge traditional procurement expertise with modern data-driven decision making. The integration of real-time supply chain visibility tools and predictive analytics is becoming critical for preventing shortages and optimizing inventory management across national health systems. Post-Brexit pharmaceutical regulation and supply chain management has created unique challenges and opportunities in the UK market. The establishment of independent regulatory pathways and supply agreements requires executives who understand both EU and UK regulatory frameworks. This regulatory complexity, combined with the need for strategic partnerships with global manufacturers, has increased the value of professionals who can navigate international pharmaceutical commerce while ensuring compliance with evolving UK health security requirements.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of £68,568 - £82,746 represents competitive compensation for a senior government executive role, positioning at approximately 15-20% above typical civil service grades due to specialized pharmaceutical supply chain expertise requirements. When compared to private sector pharmaceutical supply chain director positions, this represents a 20-30% discount from commercial rates, offset by exceptional job security, pension benefits, and the prestige of national health security responsibility.

Role Significance

Based on the scope of responsibilities covering national vaccine procurement, supply chain management, and cross-functional coordination, this role likely oversees 15-25 direct and indirect reports across multiple specialized teams including procurement specialists, supply chain analysts, financial controllers, and program managers. The matrix management approach suggests influence over an additional 30-50 professionals across related government functions.
This is a senior executive position operating at the intersection of national health policy and commercial pharmaceutical operations. The role holder will have significant autonomy in multi-million pound procurement decisions and direct influence on UK national immunization program effectiveness. The position requires regular interaction with government ministers, pharmaceutical industry executives, and international health organizations, indicating very high organizational and sectoral influence.

Key Projects

Implementation of next-generation vaccine procurement frameworks worth hundreds of millions of pounds, incorporating advanced demand forecasting and supply chain resilience measures that will define UK health security capabilities for the next decade Development of integrated business planning systems that connect clinical demand forecasting with commercial procurement and logistics delivery, creating end-to-end visibility across the national immunization supply chain Establishment of strategic partnerships with global vaccine manufacturers, including complex contract negotiations for pandemic preparedness and routine immunization programs that balance cost optimization with supply security guarantees

Success Factors

Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities across government departments, pharmaceutical industry executives, and international health organizations, requiring the ability to build trust and influence decisions in highly regulated, politically sensitive environments where commercial and public health interests must be carefully balanced Advanced financial and commercial acumen specifically focused on pharmaceutical procurement, including sophisticated understanding of global pharmaceutical pricing, supply chain economics, and risk management strategies that can optimize public value while ensuring reliable supply availability during both routine operations and emergency response scenarios Strategic leadership skills that can drive organizational transformation across multiple government functions, fostering collaborative working relationships while maintaining clear accountability and performance standards in a complex matrix environment where success depends on influencing rather than direct authority Deep operational expertise in large-scale supply chain management, particularly in temperature-controlled pharmaceutical logistics, inventory optimization, and quality assurance systems that can prevent costly wastage while ensuring product integrity across national distribution networks

Market Demand

Extremely high demand exists for this specialized role combination of pharmaceutical supply chain expertise and government operational experience. The intersection of public health policy, commercial pharmaceutical relationships, and large-scale logistics management creates a very limited candidate pool, with most qualified individuals already employed in senior positions at pharmaceutical companies, health agencies, or consulting firms.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Pharmaceutical supply chain expertise is absolutely essential for this role, as it requires deep understanding of global vaccine manufacturing, cold chain logistics, regulatory compliance requirements, and commercial pharmaceutical industry dynamics. Without this specialized knowledge, the role holder cannot effectively negotiate contracts, assess supplier capabilities, or identify supply chain risks that could compromise national immunization programs. The complexity of pharmaceutical supply chains, particularly for vaccines requiring specific storage and handling requirements, demands technical expertise that cannot be quickly acquired on the job. Advanced financial management and commercial negotiation skills are critical for managing procurement budgets worth hundreds of millions of pounds while ensuring value for money and supply security. The role requires sophisticated understanding of pharmaceutical pricing models, risk sharing arrangements, and complex contract structures that balance cost optimization with supply guarantee requirements. These skills directly impact the agency's ability to maximize public value while maintaining reliable access to essential vaccines and countermeasures. Senior stakeholder management capabilities are essential for success in this role, which requires building and maintaining relationships with government ministers, pharmaceutical industry executives, international health organizations, and clinical experts across multiple countries. The ability to influence decisions and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups with competing interests is critical for securing vaccine supplies, managing supply chain disruptions, and implementing policy changes that affect national health security.

Beneficial Skills

Digital transformation and data analytics expertise would significantly enhance performance in this role, particularly as vaccine supply chain management increasingly relies on predictive analytics, real-time supply chain visibility, and AI-driven demand forecasting. Understanding of digital supply chain technologies and data-driven decision making tools would enable more sophisticated optimization of inventory levels, distribution networks, and supplier performance management. International regulatory and trade expertise would provide additional value given the global nature of pharmaceutical supply chains and the impact of international trade agreements on vaccine access and pricing. Knowledge of regulatory harmonization efforts, international pharmaceutical law, and trade policy implications would enhance the role holder's ability to navigate complex international procurement arrangements and anticipate regulatory changes affecting supply chain operations. Crisis management and emergency response experience would be highly beneficial given UKHSA's role in pandemic preparedness and health emergency response. Understanding of emergency procurement procedures, crisis communication protocols, and rapid decision-making frameworks would enhance the role holder's effectiveness during health emergencies when normal procurement and supply chain processes may be inadequate for urgent response requirements.

Unique Aspects

This role represents a rare combination of commercial pharmaceutical expertise within a government health security context, offering the opportunity to influence national health policy while managing relationships with global pharmaceutical companies worth hundreds of millions of pounds annually
The position provides exceptional exposure to crisis management and pandemic preparedness activities, including involvement in national emergency response planning and international health security cooperation that extends far beyond routine procurement activities
The role offers unique access to confidential health security intelligence and strategic planning processes, including participation in cross-government emergency response exercises and international health security discussions that shape global pandemic preparedness strategies
This position combines significant operational responsibility with policy influence, allowing the role holder to translate strategic health security objectives into practical procurement and supply chain solutions that directly impact national resilience capabilities

Career Growth

Career progression to director-level positions typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing executives in government health agencies, particularly given the critical nature of vaccine supply chain management and the limited pool of candidates with this specialized expertise. Transition to senior private sector roles can occur more rapidly, often within 2-3 years, due to the high demand for professionals with government pharmaceutical procurement experience.

Potential Next Roles

Deputy Director or Director positions within UKHSA or Department of Health and Social Care, leading broader health security or pharmaceutical policy portfolios with expanded budget authority and strategic policy development responsibilities Senior executive positions in global pharmaceutical companies, particularly in government affairs, market access, or supply chain leadership roles where government relationship expertise provides significant competitive advantage Chief Executive or Chief Operating Officer positions in health sector organizations, NHS trusts, or international health agencies where the combination of commercial, operational, and policy expertise creates exceptional leadership value Senior consulting partner positions with top-tier management consulting firms specializing in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, or government transformation, leveraging deep sector expertise and government relationship networks

Company Overview

UK Health Security Agency

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is the UK government's primary health security and infectious disease response agency, established in 2021 as a successor to Public Health England with enhanced focus on health emergency preparedness and response. The agency operates with significant government backing and maintains critical relationships with international health organizations, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and healthcare delivery systems across the UK. UKHSA manages substantial budgets for vaccine procurement, countermeasure stockpiling, and health emergency response capabilities.

UKHSA holds a dominant position in UK health security policy and operations, functioning as the primary interface between government health policy and commercial pharmaceutical supply chains. The agency's establishment reflects government commitment to enhanced health security capabilities and independence, positioning it as a key influencer in global health security discussions and pharmaceutical market dynamics. Its procurement decisions significantly impact pharmaceutical company strategies and market access approaches in the UK.
This London-based position places the role holder at the center of UK government health security operations, with direct access to Department of Health and Social Care leadership, pharmaceutical industry headquarters, and international health organization representatives. The Canary Wharf location provides proximity to financial services expertise and global pharmaceutical company offices, facilitating the complex commercial relationships essential to vaccine procurement success.
UKHSA operates with a mission-driven culture focused on protecting public health, creating an environment where professional work directly contributes to national welfare and health security. The agency emphasizes collaborative working across government departments and with external partners, while maintaining high standards for evidence-based decision making and financial accountability. The inclusive culture and professional development focus reflect modern civil service transformation, attracting high-caliber professionals committed to public service excellence.
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