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- Tasks: Lead and shape high-quality research delivery across the East of England.
- Company: Join a leading NHS trust dedicated to innovation and patient care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, NHS benefits, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a national impact on health research and improve patient outcomes.
- Qualifications: Master's degree and extensive leadership experience in health research required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and diverse team.
The predicted salary is between 112782 - 129783 £ per year.
The 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.
Interview date: 28 April
Main duties of the job:
- Lead the establishment, delivery and performance of the East of England Regional Research Delivery Network.
- Oversee 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Colleagues within the RRDN network who can be contacted for further information are Directors:
About us:
The 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:
- Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service
- Multi Faith prayer room at NNUH Colney Lane site
- Discounted gym memberships
- Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
- Wagestream - access up to 40% of your pay as you earn it
- Free Park & Ride service direct to NNUH Colney Lane site
- Free 24-hours confidential counselling support
- On-site Nursery at NNUH Colney Lane
- On-site cafes offering staff discounts at NNUH Colney Lane
- Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars, Cycle to Work scheme and home electronics
Job responsibilities:
For full details of duties and responsibilities as part of this role, please view the Job Description and person specification.
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
- Overall leadership, delivery and management of the RRDN.
- Be 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, and oversight of the development and delivery of the RRDN 3 year Strategic Implementation Plan.
- Ensure 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 RRDN.
BUSINESS PLANNING
- Strategic oversight, development and approval of RRDN business, financial, strategic development and impact plans, and associated reports.
- Develop 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 aims.
OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT
- Overall accountability for the delivery and management of the RRDN with oversight of all aspects of the RRDN's daily business.
- Line 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 structure.
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.
- Ensure the establishment and oversight of effective systems and processes for robust performance management to ensure the RRDN Host Organisation Contract is adhered to.
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.
- Ensure 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.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications:
- Masters level qualification or equivalent.
Knowledge and 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.
- Professional research leadership, both strategic and operational at a senior level.
- Experience of working across complex organisational structures and effective matrix management.
- Proven senior level experience of leading and delivering complex change and strategy development programmes in a politically sensitive and complex environment.
- Significant experience of managing a large budget with solid knowledge of financial process requirements.
- Knowledge of utilising Business Intelligence solutions to work within a performance management framework.
- Understanding of governance and legislative framework for clinical research in the NHS.
Skills and Abilities:
- Highly developed leadership, strategic thinking and planning skills with ability to demonstrate these in highly political environments.
- Demonstrable ability to use autonomy to undertake actions as a result of own interpretation of policy and guidance, providing a source of expert advice to the organisation.
- Strong external communications skills in a politically sensitive environment with knowledge of and experience in handling media relations.
- Advanced negotiation skills to reconcile stakeholder organisation expectations of financial allocations and within challenging fiscal environments.
- Ability to plan, manage, adjust and deliver complex projects involving multiple agencies and individuals and a broad range of activities to tight deadlines.
Value and Personal Qualities:
- Appreciation of the impact of organisational culture on service delivery.
- 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.
- Consistently looks to improve what they do and seeks out innovation.
- Demonstrates honesty and integrity and promotes organisational values.
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.
£112,782 to £129,783 a year per annum (pro rata)
NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) Director in Norwich employer: Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
Contact Detail:
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) Director in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the health and research sectors. Attend conferences, seminars, or local meet-ups to meet potential collaborators and decision-makers. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the NIHR and the East of England RRDN thoroughly. Understand their goals, challenges, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in complex environments. Highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, as these are key for the RRDN Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) Director in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the NIHR RRDN Director role. Highlight your strategic leadership experience and how it aligns with the goals of the East of England Regional Research Delivery Network.
Showcase Your Experience: Use your written application to demonstrate your extensive experience in managing complex programmes and large budgets. Provide examples that illustrate your ability to lead in politically sensitive environments and drive change.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas, ensuring that your passion for improving health outcomes and tackling inequalities shines through.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the NIHR and the wider health and care system. Brush up on recent research initiatives and how they impact patient care. This will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic leadership experience, especially in complex environments. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed large budgets and led teams through change. This is crucial for a role like the RRDN Director.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build relationships with various stakeholders, from NHS organisations to local authorities. Prepare to discuss your approach to collaboration and how you can influence national priorities while addressing regional needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision
Articulate your vision for the East of England RRDN and how you plan to tackle health inequalities. Show that you're not just focused on the present but also have a forward-thinking approach that aligns with the goals of the NIHR.