Job summary
Permanent | 37.5 hrs per week
We are looking for a Research & Development Manager to lead the Trust's Research Governance function, ensuring research is delivered in compliance with legislative standards and supporting the Trust's Research & Innovation Strategy.
You will drive continuous improvement, enhance the research portfolio, and ensure efficient financial and resource management. Key responsibilities include guiding investigators through governance procedures, identifying funding opportunities, and encouraging strategic partnerships. You'll also contribute to workforce planning, public/patient insight engagement (PPIE), and help grow research services across the Trust.
This is a unique opportunity to positively impact research and innovation at Sheffield Children's.
Main duties of the job
Reporting into the Associate Director, your responsibilities will include:
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Lead the Trust's Research Governance function to ensure high-quality, compliant research.
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Help develop and implement the Trust's Research & Innovation Strategy.
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Manage research projects, ensuring systems meet performance targets and compliance.
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Identify and leverage funding opportunities for research.
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Guide investigators through governance processes and ensure continuous improvement.
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Ensure transparency and accountability in financial management of research projects.
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Build relationships with external funders, regulators, and partners.
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Promote the Trust's research achievements and expand its portfolio through partnerships.
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Strengthen research culture across the Trust and collaborate with external partners.
About us
At Sheffield Children's, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are:
1. Outstanding Patient Care 2. Brilliant Place to work 3. Leaders in Children's Health
We work successfully with local, regional, and national partners to provide physical and mental healthcare across acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are amongst the best in their field, recognised nationally and internationally for their expertise.
As well as having enormous pride in what we do, we are a friendly, welcoming, and motivated NHS Trust who are guided by our CARE values: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. Our nearly 4000 colleagues live these values, ensuring kind and compassionate care that makes patients and their families feel safe and at home.
As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we remain committed to enhancing our reputation in children's health leadership, improving the experiences of both patient and colleagues, and focusing on our communities and population health.
Sheffield Children's provides great benefits to support your wellbeing, with excellent annual leave and pension schemes, health programmes, and exclusive discounts--helping you succeed at work and beyond.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.
Please note that Sheffield Children's uplift pay to meet the Real Living Wage, which is £12.60 per hour.
Diversity Statement
At Sheffield Childrens, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyones success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.
Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at scn-tr.recruitment.team@nhs.net. Together, were building a workplace where everyone belongs.
#LI-Onsite
Job description
Job responsibilities
For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.
Please note that Sheffield Children's uplift pay to meet the Real Living Wage, which is £12.60 per hour.
Diversity Statement
At Sheffield Childrens, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyones success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.
Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at scn-tr.recruitment.team@nhs.net. Together, were building a workplace where everyone belongs.
#LI-Onsite
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential
- Degree level education (level 5 qualification)
- Educated to master's level or demonstrable equivalent experience in a relevant field
- Recognised GCP qualification
- Evidence of ongoing professional development
Experience
Essential
- Extensive experience in research management or project management preferably in the NHS or academic settings
- Extensive experience of applying the principles of the Research Governance Framework and of GCP to research projects
- Experience of leadership including delivery of research and innovation strategies
- Experience in securing research funding and managing the funding process
- Successful history of working with external partners, such as academic institutions and funding bodies to advance research priorities
Desirable
- Specialist experience of research regulatory issues governing the conduct of clinical research in the NHS
- Experience of working on / setting up / auditing / monitoring clinical research projects
- Experience of regulatory inspections (e.g. MHRA, HTA)
- Experience of conducing own research
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- In depth understanding of research governance frameworks, including UK specific regulations such as GCP, GDPR and the Human Tissue Act
- Comprehensive knowledge of the UK funding infrastructure and processes for securing research grants
- Demonstrable knowledge of quality assurance in clinical research including the audit and monitoring of research
- Familiarity with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Health Research Authority (HRA)
- Approachable leader with ability to inspire and manage diverse teams
- Skills in developing and implementing strategic plans, particularly related to research and innovation
- Expertise in managing large-scale research projects, including set up, ongoing management and closure
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Excellent written skills with ability to research and write reports, business cases and business plans
- Ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise way, avoiding technical jargon or overly technical language
- Effective problem-solving skills to navigate the challenges of research governance
- Ability to work with a range of different IT systems and programmes to analyse data and information to make sound decisions or build evidence base
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Upholds ethical standards and fosters a culture of transparency and accountability within the research governance framework
- Forward thinking with ability to anticipate future trends and challenges in research and innovation
- Flexible approach to responding to changing circumstances and emerging opportunities in the research landscape
- Understands and respects the needs of patients, the public, and research participants, ensuring ethical and respectful research practices
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential
- Degree level education (level 5 qualification)
- Educated to master's level or demonstrable equivalent experience in a relevant field
- Recognised GCP qualification
- Evidence of ongoing professional development
Experience
Essential
- Extensive experience in research management or project management preferably in the NHS or academic settings
- Extensive experience of applying the principles of the Research Governance Framework and of GCP to research projects
- Experience of leadership including delivery of research and innovation strategies
- Experience in securing research funding and managing the funding process
- Successful history of working with external partners, such as academic institutions and funding bodies to advance research priorities
Desirable
- Specialist experience of research regulatory issues governing the conduct of clinical research in the NHS
- Experience of working on / setting up / auditing / monitoring clinical research projects
- Experience of regulatory inspections (e.g. MHRA, HTA)
- Experience of conducing own research
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- In depth understanding of research governance frameworks, including UK specific regulations such as GCP, GDPR and the Human Tissue Act
- Comprehensive knowledge of the UK funding infrastructure and processes for securing research grants
- Demonstrable knowledge of quality assurance in clinical research including the audit and monitoring of research
- Familiarity with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Health Research Authority (HRA)
- Approachable leader with ability to inspire and manage diverse teams
- Skills in developing and implementing strategic plans, particularly related to research and innovation
- Expertise in managing large-scale research projects, including set up, ongoing management and closure
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Excellent written skills with ability to research and write reports, business cases and business plans
- Ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise way, avoiding technical jargon or overly technical language
- Effective problem-solving skills to navigate the challenges of research governance
- Ability to work with a range of different IT systems and programmes to analyse data and information to make sound decisions or build evidence base
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Upholds ethical standards and fosters a culture of transparency and accountability within the research governance framework
- Forward thinking with ability to anticipate future trends and challenges in research and innovation
- Flexible approach to responding to changing circumstances and emerging opportunities in the research landscape
- Understands and respects the needs of patients, the public, and research participants, ensuring ethical and respectful research practices
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.
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.
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).
