Job responsibilities
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
Following rapid growth in our research activity and infrastructure over the past five years, this is a pivotal moment to join us. We are seeking a highly experienced Sponsored Study Manager to lead and further develop our Sponsorship Service, supporting a diverse, complex, and expanding portfolio of clinical trials and research studies.
This role is ideally suited to someone who already brings significant handson experience of sponsored research, and who is ready to operate at a senior, influential level within a large NHS organisation.
Working in close partnership with the University of Exeter, we host an outstanding research ecosystem including an NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, HealthTech Research Centre, and Clinical Research Facility, alongside the Peninsula Applied Research Collaboration, Regional Research Delivery Network, and a thriving Commercial Research Centre. This creates a rare opportunity for an established research professional to work at the forefront of a highly collaborative and innovative environment.
The role
This is a senior leadership position with real scope to shape how sponsored research is delivered across the Trust. You will be expected to bring proven experience, sound judgement, and credibility from day one. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the delivery and continuous improvement of the Trusts Sponsorship Service
- Providing expert oversight of sponsorship responsibilities across a wide and complex study portfolio
- Working closely with senior leaders, including the R&D Operations Director, to influence strategy and decisionmaking
- Advising and supporting Chief Investigators, drawing on your prior experience to enable highquality, compliant, and innovative research
- Driving quality, governance, regulatory compliance, and efficiency across sponsored studies
- Contributing to strategic planning and helping to shape the future direction of research at the Royal Devon
About you
We are specifically seeking an experienced and forwardthinking research professional, with a strong background in sponsored studies. You will have:
- Demonstrable experience of managing or overseeing sponsored research within the NHS, academia, or a comparable research setting
- A deep understanding of sponsor responsibilities, governance frameworks, and regulatory requirements
- The confidence and credibility to advise senior stakeholders and influence at organisational level
- A collaborative leadership style and a passion for enabling highquality, impactful research
This role is not suitable for someone new to sponsored studies; instead, it offers an exciting next step for someone ready to apply their expertise at scale and make a visible organisational impact.
Why join us?
This is more than a management role its an opportunity to use your experience to make a real difference. You will be enabling research that improves patient care today while helping to design the studies of tomorrow. In return, youll join a supportive and ambitious organisation where your expertise will be recognised, your ideas welcomed, and your impact clearly seen.
If you are an experienced sponsored research professional ready to shape the future of NHS research, we would love to hear from you.
Working Pattern: Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Interview Date: Week beginning 18th May 2026
For further information please contact: Michelle Treglown, Executive and Specialist Recruitment Resourcer at michelletreglown@nhs.net or call 07720 168623
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.
