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- Tasks: Lead operational services for the Regional Research Delivery Network, ensuring effective research support.
- Company: Join Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, a key player in health and care research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work in life sciences, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in healthcare by supporting innovative research that benefits patients and the economy.
- Qualifications: Masters level qualification and senior experience in health and care research required.
- Other info: Position starts by July 2024; engage with NHS organizations to maximize research delivery.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
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). The expectation is that the successful applicant will commence in post by no later than 1 July 2024.
The RRDN South London will be one of 12 Networks which will replace the existing Local Clinical Research Networks (LCRNs) throughout the country from 1 October 2024 and will support the effective and efficient initiation and delivery of funded research across the health and care system in England for the benefit of patients, the health and care system and the economy.
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 RRDN Operations Director will support national and regional initiatives to help meet the research delivery needs of the life sciences industry, including providing a key account management function. The RRDN Operations Director will also work closely with the RRDN Strategic Development Director.
Job 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 key RRDN services.
- Budgetary management for the RRDN hosted services, NHS support costs allocation and the Operations element of the RRDN funding allocation.
- Leading regional and supporting national initiatives to support research delivery needs of the life sciences industry.
- Be accountable for ensuring that all necessary contracts or agreements required are in place before funds are provided to research sites.
- Engage effectively with NHS organisations to maximise reach, impact and delivery of the RDN and its initiatives.
BUSINESS PLANNING
- Be responsible for reviewing, evaluating and approving research site delivery plans.
- Contribute to the oversight and development of RRDN business, financial, strategic development and impact plans.
- 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 key RRDN services.
- Line management of the Service/Team Leads for the above RRDN services.
- Ensure that the RRDN is managed in line with the requirements of the RRDN Host Organisation Contract.
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.
- Identify areas of underperformance and take the necessary action to resolve.
Person Specification
Knowledge/Qualifications
- Masters level qualification or equivalent.
Experience
- Comprehensive understanding of research, the NHS and the wider health and care system.
- Experience of working in the health and care research sector at a senior level.
- Experience of managing health and care research support services.
Skills
- Highly developed leadership, strategic thinking and planning skills.
- Proven leadership skills in the management of change.
- Ability to communicate highly complex information orally and in writing.
Values and behaviours
- Highly motivated with the ability to lead and inspire others.
- Commitment to supporting the development of staff.
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.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
£96,340 to £109,849 a year per annum incl. HCAS
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Operations Director employer: NHS
Contact Detail:
NHS 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. Understanding how Study Support, Agile Research Support, and Financial Management work will give you a significant edge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the life sciences industry and NHS organizations. Building relationships can provide insights into the challenges they face and how you can address them as an Operations Director.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends and changes within the health and care research sector. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing change. The ability to inspire and lead teams is crucial for this position, so be ready to share relevant examples.
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. Familiarize yourself with the key duties such as strategic leadership, business planning, operational management, and performance management.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in health and care research, particularly at a senior level. Emphasize your leadership skills, strategic thinking, and any experience managing research support services.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly articulates your motivation for applying and how your background aligns with the needs of the RRDN. Use specific examples to demonstrate your understanding of the life sciences industry and your ability to lead and inspire teams.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your qualifications, especially if you hold a master's level qualification or equivalent. Discuss how your educational background supports your capability to fulfill the role effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at NHS
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As the Operations Director, you'll need to demonstrate your strong leadership skills. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed change in previous roles, particularly in the health and care research sector.
✨Understand the Research Landscape
Familiarize yourself with the current trends and challenges in the life sciences industry and NHS research. Be ready to discuss how you can address these needs and support the delivery of funded research effectively.
✨Highlight Your Strategic Thinking
The role requires strategic planning and business management skills. Prepare to discuss your experience in developing and implementing business plans, as well as how you've evaluated and approved research site delivery plans in the past.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Given the complexity of the information you'll be dealing with, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to explain complex concepts related to research delivery in a way that is easy to understand for various stakeholders.
