Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Research Operational Manager

The closing date is 29 January 2026

Job summary

Senior Research Operational Manager (SROM) Band AfC 8A

1.0WTE

12 month fixed term

We are looking to recruit a Senior Research Operational Manager (SROM), who will join our team of SROMs across Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), primarily to support and develop areas of strategic importance in the current climate. The role will take lead responsibility for the research grant activity across the Specialist Hospital Clinical Group which encompasses the childrens, St Marys and the eye hospital which span Paediatric and Adult services. They will also manage the Grants team across MFT. Our aim is to align our Research ambitions to the highly specialist clinical services that we offer across MFT. We want to further engage with our local community and offer research opportunities to all

Main duties of the job

The SROM will develop, promote and manage their speciality research portfolio across MFT, with a focus upon increasing the number of high quality grant applications through proactive support for researchers. This will include supporting the effective conduct of agreed projects and promoting high quality outputs of research.

Within R&I we're keen to support and develop our staff and have a robust education and training programme to standardise the delivery and outputs. We recognise the value in nurturing and enabling our workforce.

This work involves close and frequent interaction with other internal stakeholders such as the Research Office, the NIHR/Wellcome Trust Manchester Clinical Research Facility, the hosted North West Regional Delivery Network clinical services across the Trust, hospital and managed clinical services senior leadership teams and external bodies such as the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, contract research organisations and commercial companies.

We need a manager who can focus on detail as well as the wider context to ensure that our high standards in health research are maintained and we continue to progress in the range of services we provide. Please also refer to the Person Specification to confirm the essential and desirable knowledge and skills required for this post.

About us

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe - what better place to shape and develop your leadership career. We deliver care to over 1 million patients & users each year through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. Our 30,000 plus strong workforce is central to our success and innovation.You will play a pivotal part in supporting our operational excellence and strategic ambitions. You'll work collaboratively with clinical and non-clinical teams, driving improvements that enhance patient experience, staff wellbeing, and service efficiency across the Trust.MFT offers a dynamic, inclusive environment where your leadership, ideas, and expertise are valued. You'll have access to professional development, digital tools and opportunities to contribute to transformational projects that shape the future of healthcare delivery.We are committed to supporting your growth and wellbeing, recognising the vital role you play in our organisation's success.Join us and help shape the future of our Trust--make a real difference to our teams, our services, and our communities, and fundamentally, our patients.

Details

Date posted

20 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£55,690 to £62,682 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

349-RES-7716117-RL4

Job locations

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Nowgen Centre, Grafton Street

Manchester

M13 9WU


Job description

Job responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guidethat sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.

As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Diversity Matters

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post.As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guidethat sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.

As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Diversity Matters

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post.As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Clinical/scientific degree at masters level or equivalent demonstrable experience in operational management
  • Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

  • Experience of clinical or scientific practice

Knowledge

Essential

  • Thorough understanding of the systems and processes which are used to support the delivery of high quality research in a clinical environment
  • An understanding of R&D issues in the Health Care Settings
  • Knowledge of research governance and quality assurance systems to ensure safe systems for patients
  • Project management

Desirable

  • Knowledge of Health Care/University networks

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Experience of working in the Health Care Settings in senior research management role
  • Experience of line management responsibility for staff

Desirable

  • Experience of working in a large teaching hospital or University Personal research experience Commercial research experience Nursing, midwifery or other clinical or related work experience

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal with the ability to communicate with different professions both internal and external
  • Excellent presentation skills
  • Extensive IT and IS skills including Microsoft Office

Desirable

  • Experience of delivering training
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Clinical/scientific degree at masters level or equivalent demonstrable experience in operational management
  • Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

  • Experience of clinical or scientific practice

Knowledge

Essential

  • Thorough understanding of the systems and processes which are used to support the delivery of high quality research in a clinical environment
  • An understanding of R&D issues in the Health Care Settings
  • Knowledge of research governance and quality assurance systems to ensure safe systems for patients
  • Project management

Desirable

  • Knowledge of Health Care/University networks

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Experience of working in the Health Care Settings in senior research management role
  • Experience of line management responsibility for staff

Desirable

  • Experience of working in a large teaching hospital or University Personal research experience Commercial research experience Nursing, midwifery or other clinical or related work experience

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal with the ability to communicate with different professions both internal and external
  • Excellent presentation skills
  • Extensive IT and IS skills including Microsoft Office

Desirable

  • Experience of delivering training

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).

Additional information

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Nowgen Centre, Grafton Street

Manchester

M13 9WU


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Nowgen Centre, Grafton Street

Manchester

M13 9WU


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Research Operational Lead

Louisa Shilton

Louisa.Shilton@mft.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

20 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£55,690 to £62,682 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

349-RES-7716117-RL4

Job locations

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Nowgen Centre, Grafton Street

Manchester

M13 9WU


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)