Work with us
YPMH brings together evidence, innovation and real-world practice to help prevent and reduce mental health problems in children and young people. Working with us means collaborating across disciplines and sectors to translate research into practical, equitable and scalable action.
We are a small, ambitious and partnership-oriented charity. Our work brings together researchers, innovators, practitioners, policymakers, people with lived experience and organisations across health and social care, education, communities and industry.
Current opportunity
Food, Brain and Mental Health Innovation and Partner Engagement Manager
Lead the development and delivery of YPMH’s new three-year Food, Brain and Mental Health programme.
YPMH is seeking an Innovation and Partner Engagement Manager to lead the day-to-day development and delivery of a new three-year Food, Brain and Mental Health programme.
The role will bring together evidence, innovation, implementation and partnership-building to identify where food and nutrition could make the greatest difference to brain and mental health, and to progress the most promising opportunities towards practical, equitable and scalable action.
The successful candidate will work with researchers, innovators, practitioners, policymakers, people with lived experience and other partners. They will apply YPMH’s Understand : Innovate : Implement methodology to translate evidence into clear priorities, develop and test promising interventions and build the partnerships required for implementation and longer-term impact.
We are looking for someone with an unusual combination of analytical thinking, programme delivery, innovation and relationship-building capability. We do not expect candidates to have worked in every area covered by the role. Strong applicants may bring substantial experience in several core areas, together with the intellectual capacity, curiosity and motivation to develop their capability in others.
Key information
Salary: £50,000–£55,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus a 10% employer pension contribution. Salary and benefits will be pro rata for part-time working.
Location: ideaSpace West, Cambridge, with hybrid working available. Regular attendance in Cambridge will be expected, with the precise pattern agreed with the successful candidate.
Working pattern: Ideally full-time, although part-time or flexible working may be considered.
Contract: Three-year fixed-term employment contract from the agreed start date, reflecting the current duration of funding for the programme.
Expected start: October 2026, or as soon as practicable thereafter.
Closing date: 5.00 pm on Monday 24 August 2026.
Right to work: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter to Charlotte Catignani, Innovation and Partner Engagement Lead, at charlotte.catignani@ypmh.org, by 5.00 pm on Monday 24 August 2026.
Your covering letter should explain why you are interested in the role and provide concise examples of:
- leading a complex programme or workstream translating
- evidence or analysis into practical action building
- collaboration across organisations, disciplines or sectors
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. First interviews will be conducted online, with second interviews held in person.
Equality and inclusion
YPMH welcomes applications from candidates with diverse professional, disciplinary and personal backgrounds. We are committed to equity and inclusion and to providing a fair and accessible recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please contact Charlotte at charlotte.catignani@ypmh.org.