Chief Executive Officer
Kidney Research UK
hybrid working policy.
circa £140K per annum
Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease and for more than 60 years the research we fund has been making an impact. But kidney disease is increasing, as are the factors contributing to it, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, making our work more essential than ever.
At Kidney Research UK we work with clinicians and scientists across the UK, funding and facilitating research into all areas of kidney disease. We collaborate with partners across the public, private and third sectors to prevent kidney disease and drive innovation to transform treatments.
Over the last ten years we have invested more than £71 million into research. We lobby governments and decision makers to change policy and practice to ensure that the estimated 7.2 million people living with all stages of kidney disease in the UK have access to the most effective care and treatment, and to make kidney disease a priority.
Most importantly, we also work closely with patients, ensuring their voice is heard and is at the centre of everything we do, from deciding which research to invest in to how we plan our priorities and our work across the charity.
THE ROLE
After more than a decade of outstanding service, our current chief executive, Sandra Currie OBE, is retiring. Under her leadership, we have significantly expanded our impact, ambition and influence, establishing a strong platform for the future.
Kidney disease is increasing rapidly in the UK, alongside rising rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, making our work more essential than ever. To respond to this mounting public health challenge, we have embarked on a bold and strategic phase of growth to expand our reach and increase our impact so we can prevent kidney disease, protect those living with kidney disease from kidney failure and improve treatments for patients across the country.
Patients face unacceptable challenges, and their stories fuel our determination to innovate and transform kidney health. Our passionate community of staff, volunteers, researchers, ambassadors, and patients works tirelessly to turn groundbreaking research into life-changing treatments. As chief executive, you will be at the heart of this mission – shaping strategy, inspiring teams, influencing partners, and ensuring that Kidney Research UK is positioned to make the greatest possible difference.
This role offers a compelling opportunity to lead us into our next chapter. We are looking for an experienced, visionary, and purpose-driven leader who can build on our strong foundations, embrace new opportunities, and drive ambitious change. You will lead a talented leadership team and collaborate closely with the Board and wider stakeholders to ensure we transform the lives of those affected by kidney disease.
INFORMATION
Download the candidate brief to find out about the role.
DOWNLOADHow to apply
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
- Your CV (no more than three sides).
- A supporting statement (no more than two sides) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the person specification.
Closing date
Friday 16th January 2026
Preliminary interviews
w/c 26th January 2026
Interviews with Kidney Research UK
w/c 9th February and w/c 16th February 2026