Head of Research and Development

Job responsibilities

In conjunction with the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Operations Officer and Associated Chief Medical Officer for Research the post-holder will:

• lead on the governance processes and support the delivery of the strategic and business development planning of research activities within the Trust
• lead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of R&D This will include working with partner organisations
• develop local key performance indicators for R&D activity across the Trust
• manage performance of R&D activity across the Trust against national and locally developed key performance indicators
• Line manages the team leaders and other staff as required, involving recruitment, staff appraisal and professional development and absence management
• manage and be accountable for R&D budgets and develop plans to redress variances and achieve financial balance
• be the main contact for study management, providing specialist advice on all aspects of the research process in particular interpreting legislative and regulatory requirements and providing guidance to researchers on fulfilling their obligations including delivering to time and target
• lead on the development of a strategy for engagement with patients and public
• develop collaborative links with external stakeholders develop new and enhancing existing links with relevant industry partners
• actively seek opportunities to contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the R&D Department, the service it provides and the standard of research within the Trust
• Responsibility for all aspects of approval and protocol amendments of clinical research conducted in the Trust. Ensure that the approval of new studies and protocol amendments is rapidly achieved.
• In collaboration with the Deputy Director for Quality Governance on the delivery of the R&D strategy for the Trust
• Implementation and review of R&D strategy for the Trust
• Ensure R&D strategic and operational plans are consistent with National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and CRN objectives
• Implement national and develop and implement local key performance indicators to monitor R&D activity
• Provide strong and visible leadership to staff and others across the organisation as a senior manager and leader by acting as a role model for others
• Identify, develop, and maintain effective collaborative relationships with relevant partners, and stakeholders, to include patients, carers, public within the CRN area
• Manage change processes across R&D

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

• oExperience of managing budgets and research project finances
• oSpecialist knowledge of research governance
• oAbility to interpret complex information, including legislation, regulation, and guidelines relating to research and develop and implement local policy to ensure compliance
• oExperience of managing both commercial and non-commercial research studies
• oSenior Level Management within the NHS including financial management, project management and staff management
• oAbility to plan, manage and adjust complex projects/programmes in relation to performance targets and business planning
• oExperience of developing and delivering training
• oAbility to analyse and interpret highly complex information and to make judgements regarding a range of highly complex management issues
• oDetailed knowledge of current national systems and structures for the approval, management and monitoring of clinical research in the NHS
• oKnowledge of the governance and legislative framework for conducting clinical research studies, including Good Clinical Practice oDetailed knowledge and understanding of the national R&D strategy and funding streams
• oKnowledge of HRA processes, Research Ethics Committees, and processes for gaining ethics approvals
• oAble to keep abreast of changes in national and international regulations and polices
• oExcellent IT skills, particularly in the use of web and MS applications inc. BI Power and Research Data Management systems (EDGE)

Qualification(s) and Professional Training

Essential

• oPostgraduate level education in an appropriate health and/or research discipline or equivalent portfolio of experience to provide specialist knowledge of research and research governance processes, procedures, and methodologies
• oIn depth specialist knowledge of the research process, clinical research and the NIHR research agenda gained through extensive experience
• oLeadership, Management and Project Management training/qualification
• oGood Clinical Practice

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• oHighly motivated team builder with the ability to influence and inspire others
• oAbility to lead survey and questionnaire studies if required
• oStrong negotiating skills when working with internal and external study teams including commercial companies
• oStrong problem-solving skills
• oAble to lead, manage, train, and develop staff
• oEffective people management skills
• oAble to develop and implement local management systems
• oStrong problem-solving skills
• oProven planning and organisational skills
• oCapability to work independently and as part of a team
• oAble to manage own workload and that of other R&D Staff Skills in preparing and delivering presentations and reports to a high standard
• oAble to interpret national policies and guidelines into locally relevant policies and procedures
• oAble to distil complex documents and guidelines into clear operating procedures for research
• oAble to take minutes

Personal Qualities

Essential

• oAble to inspire and motivate people to maintain the momentum of research projects
• oStrives for quality
• oStrong organisational skills
• oAttention to detail

Other

Essential

• oFrequent periods of prolonged concentration when analysing complex data or preparing reports
• oAble to handle complex and/or sensitive issues confidently and appropriately
• oAble to manage and prioritise conflicting demands within time constraints e.g. responding to deadlines, interruptions and unpredictable work patterns
• oRequired to be comfortable working under pressure and to tight timelines
• oAble to manage and diffuse conflict and sensitive situations
• oFlexible approach to working
• oFrequent meetings across the West Midland region and travel to national events and meetings

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).