R&D Director of Operations

Job description

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

As R&D Operations Director, you will be a key member of the Trusts R&D Senior Leadership Team. You will:

• Provide decisive and strategic leadership across our expanding research operations supporting continuous improvement across the R&D function
• Ensure operational teams deliver efficient, highquality support for internally developed research
• Lead the effective setup and delivery of externally sponsored studies, meeting ambitious national performance targets
• Strengthen and evolve partnerships with the University of Exeter, other HEIs and life sciences partners

Drive further growth in commercial research activity This is a highprofile role shaping how research is delivered across the Trust and the wider Southwest region.

About You

We are seeking a leader who brings both strength and clarity to a complex, fastmoving environment.

You will be:

• A robust leader, able to lead confidently through challenge, change, and pressure
• Someone who makes sound decisions, holds people to account, and is not afraid to tackle difficult issues constructively
• An experienced R&D operations leader, with significant NHS experience
• Preferably someone with a clinical background, enabling you to bridge research and clinical practice effectively
• Highly knowledgeable in regulatory trials, research governance, and research performance frameworks
• A confident relationshipbuilder who can work with senior stakeholders, sponsors, and partners
• Committed to creating an environment where highquality research can thrive at scale

Why Join Us?

This is an exceptional opportunity for a strong, capable leader seeking to make a strategic impact at the heart of a major NHS Trust. You will join a forwardthinking and dynamic team with national visibility, strong academic partnerships, and ambitious plans for continued growth.

Please note that this advert is subject to consistency checking.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours Monday - Friday

Interview Date: Week Commencing 11th May 2026

For further information please contact: Emily Simpson, Executive & Specialist Recruitment Lead on 07958931414 or emily.simpson21@nhs.net

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

Desirable

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital

Barrack Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5DW

Employer's website

https://royaldevon.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)