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- Tasks: Lead the operational delivery of a £16m health research programme and manage key relationships.
- Company: Join the University of Exeter, a top Russell Group university known for world-class research and teaching.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days leave, flexible working, discounts, onsite gyms, and generous parental leave policies.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking health research that impacts lives and contributes to the local economy.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience, strategic decision-making skills, and ability to manage complex budgets required.
- Other info: This is a maternity cover role from November 2025 to October 2026 with remote work flexibility.
The predicted salary is between 64800 - 81600 £ per year.
NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Chief Operating Officer (Maternity Cover)
Join to apply for the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Chief Operating Officer (Maternity Cover) role at University of Exeter
NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Chief Operating Officer (Maternity Cover)
1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Chief Operating Officer (Maternity Cover) role at University of Exeter
This range is provided by University of Exeter. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
This new full time postition is available from 01 November 2025 until 31 October 2026 on a fixed term basis to cover a period of maternity leave.
This role will be based within the University of Exeter’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, in close proximity to and liaison with RDUH. There will be flexibility for some home / remote working within the region of the BRC.
Summary of the Role
We are seeking to attract a highly skilled and experienced leader to undertake the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Exeter BRC; a collaboration between University of Exeter (UoE), The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (RDUH) and other SW NHS organisations. The COO will be responsible for the operational delivery of the £16m research programme and will be a key member of the BRC Senior Leadership Team with shared responsibility for developing and delivering the strategic objectives of this major health research programme, the first of its kind in the South West.
Establishing and utilising strong governance and accountability structures, the COO will act as a key relationship manager across the NIHR Exeter BRC collaboration to ensure a focus on strategy (research, impact and capacity development) to its key customers/stakeholders, including NHS partners, charities and commercial partners in the region.
In collaboration with senior colleagues at RDUH, the COO will be responsible for all aspects of financial, staff and programme planning and will hold research teams to account for progress and outcome delivery, including the management of the c.£3 million annual budget. The COO will develop entrepreneurial initiatives to maximise opportunities for generating research and commercial revenue and raising the profile of the NIHR Exeter BRC, the NHS and its collaborators.
The COO will: have strong intellectual capacity and reasoning; have proven staff management and leadership experience; a high degree of initiative, responsibility and self-motivation and a professional and proactive approach to problem solving; be a confident decision maker with strategic experience and significant operational delivery experience who can lead through periods of change; have experience of designing processes, systems and services to meet a diverse range of needs and have experience of managing complex budgets and contracts.
NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)
The NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre for Exeter (NIHR Exeter BRC) is a collaboration between University of Exeter (UoE), The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (RDUH) and other SW NHS organisations. The first of its kind for the South West, its fundamental objective is to improve health outcomes for patients and the public by translating scientific breakthroughs into potential new treatments, diagnostics and medical technologies. The NIHR Exeter BRC has received over £16M and is already creating an environment in the South West for world-leading researchers to thrive and contribute significantly to the local and national economy.
The BRC teams focus on five major, complementary research themes:
- Neurodegeneration: We find and test new, better drugs that prevent and treat major brain conditions in older adults such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
- Rehabilitation: We use exciting new approaches to help older people to recover from illness or manage their long-term conditions like dementia and arthritis. This will include using technology to improve movement, maintain brain health and prevent falls.
- Diabetes: We improve the way diabetes is diagnosed and treated, and we will explore how to help those most at risk of developing the disease.
- Genetics: We unlock the power of genetics, using it to improve diagnosis of rare illnesses in children and rare cancers, and to create treatments for common diseases that can be tailored to different people based on their unique genetic profile.
- Clinical Mycology: We seek better treatments to prevent and manage fungal infections that are common in the UK and understand better how fungi become resistant to drug treatments.
We achieve these ambitious aims by building on the partnerships and relationships we already have with the NHS, the commercial sector, and other scientists in our field.
Professor Sallie Lamb is the NIHR Exeter BRC Director as well as the Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (HLS) at UoE and Honorary Consultant (NHS Royal Devon).
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
The University of Exeter
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.
Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).
We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.
Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.
With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.
We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.
We offer some fantastic benefits including:
- 41 days leave per year
- options for flexible working
- numerous discounts at leading retailers
- onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
- sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay) and a Fertility Treatment Policy
- stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHS Royal Devon)
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, the Trust has a workforce of over 15,000 staff, the largest employer in Devon. Providing for more than 615,000 people, the Trust covers more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The Trust delivers a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital (EX31 4JB) and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford) (EX2 5DW). Alongside the two acute hospitals, the Trust provides integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. Primary care services are also offered, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
The Trust’s hospitals are renowned for their research, innovation and links to universities.
RDUH is the joint lead, alongside UoE, for the Exeter BRC.
Further information
Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Sandy Beer, Chief Operating Officer Biomedical Research Centre or Jo Shuttleworth, Deputy Director of Faculty Operations in the first instance.
The starting salary will be from £64,918 up to £81,790 on Grade H, depending on qualifications and experience.
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on 24 July 2025.
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NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Chief Operating Officer (Maternity Cover) employer: University of Exeter
Contact Detail:
University of Exeter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Chief Operating Officer (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the NIHR Exeter BRC's research themes and current projects. Understanding their focus areas, such as neurodegeneration and diabetes, will help you demonstrate your alignment with their mission during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the health and life sciences sector, particularly those connected to the University of Exeter and RDUH. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may lead to valuable referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing complex budgets and leading teams through change. Highlight specific examples that showcase your leadership skills and strategic thinking, as these are crucial for the COO position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the governance structures and accountability measures within the BRC. Being knowledgeable about how they operate will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to their strategic objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Chief Operating Officer (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description and person specification for the Chief Operating Officer role. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills, ensuring your application reflects how you meet these criteria.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to emphasise relevant experience in operational management, leadership, and financial planning. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex budgets and lead teams effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your background to the specific needs of the NIHR Exeter BRC. Discuss your strategic experience and how you can contribute to their goals, particularly in health research and collaboration with NHS partners.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure clarity and professionalism in your writing, as this reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Exeter
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Chief Operating Officer role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the NIHR Exeter BRC's objectives, research themes, and how they align with the University of Exeter's mission.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles and how they relate to managing complex budgets and teams. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led initiatives or navigated challenges in a similar environment.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to articulate your strategic vision for the role. Think about how you would approach operational delivery and stakeholder engagement, especially in a collaborative setting like the BRC. Prepare to discuss how you would drive research impact and capacity development.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have insightful questions ready for your interviewers that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about their expectations for the COO position, the current challenges facing the BRC, and how success is measured in this role.
