Research & Development Manager

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.
• Developing strategic partnerships.
• Contributing to workforce planning and public/patient insight engagement (PPIE).
• Helping grow research services across the Trust.

This is a unique opportunity to join our leadership team and positively impact research and innovation at Sheffield Children's.

About You

• Educated to Master's level or able to demonstrate equivalent relevant experience.
• Holds a recognised Good Clinical Practice (GCP) qualification.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead, influence, and drive continuous improvement across research programmes.
• Experience in a leadership position in research, ideally within an NHS or University setting.
• In-depth knowledge of clinical trial regulations and the research landscape in the UK.

Main duties of the job:

• Lead the Trust's Research Governance function to ensure high-quality, compliant research.
• Help develop and implement the Trust's Research & Innovation Strategy.
• Manage research projects, ensuring systems meet performance targets and compliance.
• Identify and leverage funding opportunities for research.
• Guide investigators through governance processes and ensure continuous improvement.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in financial management of research projects.
• Build relationships with external funders, regulators, and partners.
• Promote the Trust's research achievements and expand its portfolio through partnerships.
• 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 Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children's Health. We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings.

Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise. We're proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children's as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England -- and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire -- in the latest NHS Staff Survey.

Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values -- Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence -- to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.

As we approach our 150th anniversary this year, we're excited to keep building our leadership in children's health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.

We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts -- helping you thrive at work and beyond.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

• 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

• 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.

Knowledge and Skills

• In-depth understanding of research governance frameworks, including UK specific regulations such as GCP, GDPR and the Human Tissue Act.
• 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).
• 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.
• Effective problem-solving skills to navigate the challenges of research governance.

Personal Attributes

• 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.