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- Tasks: Lead the operational services of the Regional Research Delivery Network, ensuring effective research support.
- Company: Join Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in healthcare and research innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working with 3 days in the office and 2 days from home, plus competitive salary.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in health research while collaborating with diverse partners in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Masters level qualification and extensive experience in health research and management required.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 82000 - 110000 £ per year.
Main area Research and Development Grade NHS AfC: Band 8d Contract Permanent Hours
- Full time
- Flexible working
37.5 hours per week (3 days in the office, 2 days working from home) Job ref 196-SMT1658
Employer Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Guy’s Hospital Town London Salary £96,340 – £109,849 per annum incl. HCAS Salary period Yearly Closing 16/01/2025 23:59 Interview date 17/02/2025
Job overview
We are looking to appoint a highly motivated, experienced and enthusiastic individual to undertake this newly created senior role of Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) Operations Director. You will be the senior officer responsible for the operational services of the RRDN. These services are delivered for the RRDN, partner organisations and research funders, with particular emphasis on addressing the needs of the life sciences industry (across both commercial contract and commercial collaborative research). Regional Research Delivery Network in the South London region which will come into effect from 1 October 2024. The expectation is that the successful applicant will commence in post by no later than 1 July 2024.
Main duties of the job
The RRDN Operations Director is the senior officer responsible for the operational services of the RRDN. These services include Study Support, Agile Research Support, regional support for Active National Delivery, Financial Management & Business Operations. The RRDN Operations Director line manages the Service/Team Leaders for the defined operational services.
The purpose of the RDN is to support the effective and efficient initiation and delivery of funded research across the health & care system in England for the benefit of patients, the health and care system and the economy. The RRDN Operations Director is responsible for ensuring research sites have an appropriate level of funding to support and deliver the core NHS service support activities, in line with agreed funding principles. They will establish and maintain proportionate & nationally consistent mechanisms to ensure partner organisations use RDN funding appropriately and effectively.
Working for our organisation
From October 2024, the current NIHR Clinical Research Network will be changing to become the NIHR Research Delivery Network. The RDN will continue to support the effective & efficient initiation and delivery of funded research across the health & care system in England for the benefit of patients, the health & care system and the economy.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
- Be responsible for ensuring research sites have an appropriate level of funding in line with their plans to support and deliver the core NHS service support activities
- Be responsible for working in collaboration with regional R&D departments in order to support those departments in the delivery of their studies
- Be responsible for the management, coordination and delivery of the following key RRDN services: Study Support Service (including Enhanced, On-Demand Study Support); Agile Research Support; Active National Delivery (regional contribution); Commercial Services; Financial management (including Excess Treatment Costs); Business Operations
- Budgetary management for the RRDN hosted services, NHS support costs allocation and the Operations element of the RRDN funding allocation (total RRDN funding to be £35m per annum per RRDN on average)
- Leading regional and supporting national initiatives to support research delivery needs of the life sciences industry, including acting as a key account manager
- Developing mechanisms and support for RRDN partner organisations to recover costs from commercial research funders in a timely and efficient manner
- Be accountable for ensuring that all necessary contracts or agreements required are in place before funds are provided to research sites
- Actively promote equality of opportunity, inclusivity and diversity in the RDN, for research participation and RDN staff
BUSINESS PLANNING
- Be responsible for reviewing, evaluating and approving research site delivery plans, and be responsible for periodically performance monitoring against those plans to ensure that RDN funding is being used appropriately and effectively
- Contribute to the oversight and development of RRDN business, financial, strategic development and impact plans, and associated reports
- Ensure all business planning, implementation and reporting requirements are met in line with the RRDN Host Organisation Contract
OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT
- Be responsible for the management, coordination and delivery of the following key RRDN services: Study Support Service (including Enhanced, On-Demand Study Support); Agile Research Support; Active National Delivery (regional contribution); Commercial Services; Financial management (including Excess Treatment Costs); Business Operations
- Ensure that the RRDN is managed in line with the requirements of the RRDN Host Organisation Contract
- Ensure that relevant national strategies, policies and frameworks are fully implemented and associated targets met
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
- Provide strong leadership, engaging with the regional research community to support and enable the efficient set up and delivery of RDN Portfolio research, with particular emphasis on addressing the needs of the life sciences industry
- Identify areas of underperformance and take the necessary action to resolve, using appropriate risk management approaches and escalations
LIFE SCIENCES INDUSTRY
- Establish mutually beneficial relationships with life sciences industry partners in collaboration with the RDNCC to maximise the opportunities available for the benefit of our population
- Drive forward the RDN strategies to support the needs of Life Sciences Industry research regionally and nationally
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensure that effective financial procedures and arrangements are in place and that these are in line with the RRDN Host Organisation’s financial regulations, RDNCC guidance and the RRDN Host Organisation Contract
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
- Utilise performance and other available data including benchmarking to identify and drive forward improvements in service delivery and performance
NHS AND NON-NHS ENGAGEMENT
- Develop and foster effective relationships and collaborations with stakeholders such as, but not limited to, ICS/ICBs, HEIs, charities, other NIHR infrastructure, NHSE/I, AHSNs, to enhance and promote research and development across the health and care economy
Person specification
Knowledge/Qualifications
- Masters level qualification or equivalent
Experience
- Comprehensive understanding of research, the NHS and the wider health and care system including associated responsibilities to the public and patients
- Experience of working in the health and care research sector, the health and social care service sector or academic environment at a senior level
- Experience of developing and managing high quality customer centric services for commercial and non-commercial customers
- Significant experience of managing a large budget with solid knowledge of financial process requirements
- Experience of working collaboratively and in partnership with other organisations, with demonstrable experience of delivery across organisational boundaries
Skills
- Highly developed leadership, strategic thinking and planning skills with the ability to demonstrate these in highly political environments
- Proven leadership skills in the management of change
- Ability to communicate highly complex, sensitive or contentious information orally and in writing, both internally and externally, to a range of audiences
- Good IT skills, particularly in use of Web applications and MS Office applications
Values and behaviours
- Highly motivated with the ability to lead and inspire others
- Commitment to supporting the development of staff and understanding of workforce planning
- Acts as a champion for patients and their interests, ensuring the patients’ voice has an impact on RDN activities
Guy’s and St Thomas’ celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or studies at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership.
Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. Equality of opportunity is our policy.
Please apply for this post by clicking “Apply Online Now.”
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Operations Director employer: Guys & St Thomas Hospital
Contact Detail:
Guys & St Thomas Hospital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific operational services of the RRDN, such as Study Support and Agile Research Support. Understanding these services will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the life sciences industry and NHS research sectors. Building relationships with key stakeholders can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in health and care research. Being knowledgeable about the latest developments will demonstrate your commitment and strategic thinking during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing large budgets and financial processes. Highlighting your financial management skills will be crucial, as this role involves significant budgetary responsibilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Operations Director position. Highlight your relevant experience in research delivery and operational management in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasize your leadership abilities, financial management experience, and any relevant qualifications or certifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for improving health and care systems. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you can contribute to the RRDN.
Highlight Collaborative Experience: Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, be sure to mention any previous experience you have in collaborative projects. Discuss how you successfully managed partnerships and delivered results across organizational boundaries.
How to prepare for a job interview at Guys & St Thomas Hospital
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the RRDN Operations Director role. Familiarize yourself with the key responsibilities, such as managing operational services and ensuring appropriate funding for research sites. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the job requirements.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience, especially in politically sensitive environments. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led teams or initiatives, particularly in the health and care research sector, to showcase your ability to inspire and manage change.
✨Showcase Financial Management Expertise
Since financial management is a crucial part of this role, be ready to discuss your experience with budget management and financial processes. Provide examples of how you've effectively managed large budgets and ensured compliance with financial regulations.
✨Emphasize Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
The role requires working collaboratively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've built effective relationships across organizations, including NHS and non-NHS entities, to enhance research delivery. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate complex partnerships.
