Job summaryThe NIHR East of England Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) Director is a senior, high-impact leadership role. As East of England (EoE) RRDN Network Director, you will provide strategic direction, operational oversight and system-wide leadership to enable the effective delivery of high-quality research that benefits patients, the public and the wider health and care system. You will shape regional strategy, influence national priorities as a member of the NIHR RDN Board, and lead major programmes of work that strengthen research capability and capacity across diverse settings.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced, visionary leader who thrives in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. You will bring a deep understanding of research, the NHS and the wider health and care system, alongside proven executive-level experience in strategic leadership, change management and cross-organisational collaboration.
If you are motivated by improving outcomes, tackling health inequalities and supporting innovation across the life sciences and health research landscape, this role offers a rare platform to make a national impact. Closing date: 27 September 2026Interview date: 11 November 2026Main duties of the jobAs EoE RRDN Network Director, you will lead the establishment, delivery and performance of the East of England Regional Research Delivery Network.
This includes overseeing strategic planning, operational management and business planning, ensuring effective governance, driving continuous improvement, and championing the involvement of patients, carers and the public in research.
You will manage a senior leadership team, provide expert guidance on research delivery, and oversee a significant annual budget to ensure value for money and high-quality services. You will also build strong relationships with NHS organisations, Integrated Care Systems, NIHR partners, universities, local authorities and the life sciences industry to maximise research impact and opportunity.
We are seeking a strategic, politically astute leader with outstanding communication, negotiation and stakeholder-engagement skills. You will need extensive experience of leading complex programmes, managing large budgets and interpreting national policy into deliverable regional priorities. Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities are essential, along with integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and the ability to inspire teams. A Master's degree and executive-level leadership experience are required.
About usThe EoE RRDN Network is hosted by the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Join us and be part of a workforce of over 10,000 staff! We are one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, providing first-class acute care for around one million people, living in Norfolk and surrounding areas. We are a teaching and research hospital, at the forefront of innovation, home to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Quadram Institute. We are pleased to work closely with the University of East Anglia, providing teaching opportunities for our staff and placement opportunities for their students. We attract some of the best and leading professionals from across the country and are proud that our workforce represents 94 countries from across the world.
We are a friendly, collaborative hospital, working with local services and home to N&N Hospitals Charity.
We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition: Flexible working hoursFast Track Staff Physiotherapy ServiceMulti Faith prayer room at NNUH Colney Lane siteDiscounted gym membershipsExcellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlementWagestream - access up to 40% of your pay as you earn itFree Park & Ride service direct to NNUH Colney Lane siteFree 24-hours confidential counselling supportOn-site Nursery at NNUH Colney LaneOn-site cafes offering staff discounts at NNUH Colney LaneSupport in career developmentSalary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars, Cycle to Work scheme and home electronicsDetailsDate posted08 September 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 9Salary
112,782 to 129,783 a year
per annum (pro rata)
ContractPermanentWorking pattern
Full-time,
Part-time
Reference number234-25-K1843-RRDN-AJob locations20 Rouen RoadNorwichNR1 1QQUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesFor full details of duties and responsibilities as part of this role, please view the Job Description and person specification. STRATEGIC LEADERSHIPOverall leadership, delivery and management of the RRDNBe accountable to the Host Lead, NIHR RDN CEO and the RDN Board for;the establishment and delivery of the RRDN the operational performance of the RRDN the management and assurance of RRDN funding oversight of the development and delivery of the RRDN 3 year Strategic Implementation Plan ensuring the Host Organisation fulfils the obligations of the RRDN Host Organisation Contract Be a visible leader and actively promote a culture of staff development and wellbeing ensuring the vision, values and behaviours of the RDN are embraced across the RRDNBUSINESS PLANNINGStrategic oversight, development and approval of RRDN business, financial, strategic development and impact plans, and associated reportsDevelop and optimise potential for high quality and sustainable health and care research within the region and nationally in alignment with RDN vision, direction and strategic aimsOPERATIONAL MANAGEMENTOverall accountability for the delivery and management of the RRDN with oversight of all aspects of the RRDNs daily businessLine management of the RRDN Strategic Development Director, RRDN Operations Director and RRDN Health & Care Research Directors and have ultimate accountability for all departments and roles in the RRDN Staff structurePERFORMANCE MANAGEMENTProvide 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 industryEnsure the establishment and oversight of effective systems and processes for robust performance management to ensure the RRDN Host Organisation Contract is adhered toNHS AND NON-NHS ENGAGEMENTDevelop 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 economyEnsure engagement and commitment from regional NHS organisations / providers of NHS services, other parts of NIHR and key external stakeholders as appropriate to enable implementation of RDN strategies
Job description
Job responsibilitiesFor full details of duties and responsibilities as part of this role, please view the Job Description and person specification. STRATEGIC LEADERSHIPOverall leadership, delivery and management of the RRDNBe accountable to the Host Lead, NIHR RDN CEO and the RDN Board for;the establishment and delivery of the RRDN the operational performance of the RRDN the management and assurance of RRDN funding oversight of the development and delivery of the RRDN 3 year Strategic Implementation Plan ensuring the Host Organisation fulfils the obligations of the RRDN Host Organisation Contract Be a visible leader and actively promote a culture of staff development and wellbeing ensuring the vision, values and behaviours of the RDN are embraced across the RRDNBUSINESS PLANNINGStrategic oversight, development and approval of RRDN business, financial, strategic development and impact plans, and associated reportsDevelop and optimise potential for high quality and sustainable health and care research within the region and nationally in alignment with RDN vision, direction and strategic aimsOPERATIONAL MANAGEMENTOverall accountability for the delivery and management of the RRDN with oversight of all aspects of the RRDNs daily businessLine management of the RRDN Strategic Development Director, RRDN Operations Director and RRDN Health & Care Research Directors and have ultimate accountability for all departments and roles in the RRDN Staff structurePERFORMANCE MANAGEMENTProvide 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 industryEnsure the establishment and oversight of effective systems and processes for robust performance management to ensure the RRDN Host Organisation Contract is adhered toNHS AND NON-NHS ENGAGEMENTDevelop 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 economyEnsure engagement and commitment from regional NHS organisations / providers of NHS services, other parts of NIHR and key external stakeholders as appropriate to enable implementation of RDN strategiesPerson Specification
Education and Qualifications
EssentialMasters level qualification or equivalentExecutive level management qualification
Knowledge and Experience
EssentialProfessional research leadership, both strategic and operational at a senior levelProven senior level experience of leading and delivering complex change and strategy development programmes in a politically sensitive and complex environmentDesirableUnderstanding of governance and legislative framework for clinical research in the NHS
Value and Personal Qualities
EssentialDemonstrates honesty and integrity and promotes organisational values
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
EssentialMasters level qualification or equivalentExecutive level management qualification
Knowledge and Experience
EssentialProfessional research leadership, both strategic and operational at a senior levelProven senior level experience of leading and delivering complex change and strategy development programmes in a politically sensitive and complex environmentDesirableUnderstanding of governance and legislative framework for clinical research in the NHS
Value and Personal Qualities
EssentialDemonstrates honesty and integrity and promotes organisational valuesDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.
Certificate of SponsorshipApplications 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 CheckThis 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.
Certificate of SponsorshipApplications 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).Employer detailsEmployer nameNorfolk and Norwich University HospitalAddress20 Rouen RoadNorwichNR1 1QQUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameNorfolk and Norwich University HospitalAddress20 Rouen RoadNorwichNR1 1QQUnited KingdomEmployer's website
Locations
NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) Director in Norfolk, Norwich employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
