Job summary
We are seeking a Research Programmes Manager who will provide leadership in the development, coordination, and management of larger-scale research programmes within the Trust.
This role will complement the Clinical Research Operations Manager by focusing on programme development and partnership working, while also supporting the growth of the Trust's research portfolio and reputation
The postholder will play a key role in identifying, securing, and initiating new research opportunities, working across clinical and academic institutions to develop sustainable, high-quality research programmes.
Main duties of the job
- They will bring expertise in research funding, programme management, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that new research is successfully established and aligned with Trust and national priorities.
Programme Development & Leadership
- Lead the development and management of large, multi-partner research programmes.
- Support investigators with the development of larger funding applications, including grant writing, costing, and submission.
- Provide expert guidance on research design, governance requirements, and strategic alignment with NIHR, UKRI, and other funders.
- Oversee the start-up of new research programmes, establishing suitable infrastructure, partnerships, and resources are in place.
- Monitor progress of ongoing programmes, identifying risks and mitigating barriers to delivery
About us
We are the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. We care for the mental health and wellbeing of people across Kent and Medway. Our teams support adults with a wide range of mental health needs. Because we cover the whole county and both hospital and community settings, we can make care more joined up and easier to access for the 1.8 million people of Kent and Medway. Rated 'Good' by the CQC, we care for over 2,000 people in our hospitals and 54,000 in the community each year.
Our vision is simple: We are here to help communities not just live with mental illness, but live well. It's why we're passionate about working with communities to make mental health care better for everyone. And everything we do is guided by our values caring, inclusive, curious and confident.
Join us - if you share our passion for better mental health care and want to be part of a team that's doing well together.
Job description
Job responsibilities
-
Oversee the start-up of new research programmes, establishing suitable infrastructure, partnerships, and resources are in place.
- Monitor progress of ongoing programmes, identifying risks and mitigating barriers to delivery
Please refer to the attached job description for the full details on the responsibilities and person specification
We are serious about diversity and inclusion, and we are working hard to build this into our DNA. We warmly welcome applications for any of our roles from people from diverse backgrounds, and we are proactively encouraging applications from under-represented communities for our more senior roles, like this one.
The post holder must hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car/vehicle to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).
Job description
Job responsibilities
-
Oversee the start-up of new research programmes, establishing suitable infrastructure, partnerships, and resources are in place.
- Monitor progress of ongoing programmes, identifying risks and mitigating barriers to delivery
Please refer to the attached job description for the full details on the responsibilities and person specification
We are serious about diversity and inclusion, and we are working hard to build this into our DNA. We warmly welcome applications for any of our roles from people from diverse backgrounds, and we are proactively encouraging applications from under-represented communities for our more senior roles, like this one.
The post holder must hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car/vehicle to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).
Person Specification
Training, Qualifications and Registration
Essential
- Educated to Degree level or equivalent relevant experience with high levels of literacy and numeracy
- Evidence of continual professional development
Desirable
- PhD in health, life sciences, or related field
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of research management and development within the NHS or academic sector
- Experience of managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects or programmes
- Experience of working with senior academics, clinicians, and external partners
Desirable
- Experience in an NHS setting
- Experience in supporting early career researchers or research capacity-building initiatives
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- In-depth knowledge of research governance, funding processes, and ethical approvals
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills
- Strong knowledge of challenges in developing research programmes across clinical and academic institutions
Desirable
Person Specification
Training, Qualifications and Registration
Essential
- Educated to Degree level or equivalent relevant experience with high levels of literacy and numeracy
- Evidence of continual professional development
Desirable
- PhD in health, life sciences, or related field
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of research management and development within the NHS or academic sector
- Experience of managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects or programmes
- Experience of working with senior academics, clinicians, and external partners
Desirable
- Experience in an NHS setting
- Experience in supporting early career researchers or research capacity-building initiatives
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- In-depth knowledge of research governance, funding processes, and ethical approvals
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills
- Strong knowledge of challenges in developing research programmes across clinical and academic institutions
Desirable
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.
