At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance clinical research performance, ensuring timely patient recruitment and project delivery.
- Company: The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, a leading cancer treatment and research centre.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact in healthcare.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for leadership and cross-organisational collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a pioneering team dedicated to improving clinical research and patient outcomes.
- Qualifications: Higher degree in a relevant field and extensive clinical research experience required.
The predicted salary is between 85641 - 97746 £ per year.
Main area Administration Grade NHS Af C: Band 8c Contract 12 months (Fixed Term until 19 July 2027) Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 282-CR1668
Employer The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Royal Marsden Sutton Town Sutton Salary £85,641 - £97,746 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 21/07/ :59
Job overview
This is a fixed term post until 19 July 2027 to provide cover for an unpaid employment break for the Deputy Director, Research Operations (Core Services) from 01 Feb 2027 to 02 Jul 2027, and to deliver dedicated senior strategic support for a short‑term project to improve set‑up timelines for clinical research from Sep 2026 to Jan 2027.
The performance programme will be the sole focus of the post until 29 January 2027.
From 29 January 2027 to 19 July 2027, the role will balance the performance programme and undertake some responsibilities of the Deputy Director while on leave.
- Performance programme objectives
- Attain 100 % compliance with the 60‑day set‑up metric.
- Attain 100 % compliance with the 30‑day first‑recruit metric where applicable.
- Attain 100 % compliance with the collective 90‑day set‑up metric where applicable.
- Increase attainment of first UK, European and global patient recruitment.
- Ensure that when The Royal Marsden is Lead NHS Site, it is always the first site to open and recruit.
Key responsibilities
As the senior responsible person at The Royal Marsden, the post holder will develop, implement, oversee and be accountable for a radical short‑term programme that:
- Ensures significant material reductions to the time taken to set‑up and recruit the first patient, sustaining improvements in the long term.
- Engages cross‑organisationally, negotiates and influences stakeholders.
- Applies exceptional project management skills to deliver the performance programme.
- Balances the performance programme with the Deputy Director’s duties during the leave period.
- Oversees the Joint Clinical R&D Core Services function and line‑manages senior staff (n = 8) across quality assurance, tissue services, software as medical device quality, laboratory quality, research database and statistics, business intelligence, governance and operations, and secretariat.
- Detailed responsibilities
- Implement the programme in liaison with cross‑organisational colleagues across Joint Clinical R&D Core Services, support services, and research delivery units.
- Oversee programme delivery, acting as a senior point of escalation to troubleshoot and mitigate issues and risks.
- Accountable for programme delivery and outcomes, including reporting to Board level and ensuring internal and external data are reviewed, cleansed, compared with other organisations and updated as necessary.
- Lead a review of each study to identify and implement learning lessons and outcomes for future improvement.
Person specification
Education and qualifications
- Higher degree qualification (e. g. MSc) in a relevant subject.
- Recognised Good Clinical Practice certification.
- Commitment to continued professional development.
- People management and leadership qualification.
Experience
- Extensive experience working in clinical research, ideally in a governance or operations role, specifically in the set‑up of externally sponsored research studies.
- Extensive experience and excellent skills in managing and developing staff and successfully establishing and maintaining high‑performing, effective teams.
- Experience working with staff from a range of backgrounds and different levels of seniority.
- Extensive experience managing change.
- Experience developing a strong culture of customer service.
- Experience working across organisations.
- Experience delivering training sessions.
Skills and knowledge
- Exceptional understanding of the NHS clinical research performance management framework and metrics.
- Able to work unsupervised, managing and prioritising workload, meeting deadlines and exercising initiative.
- Strong leadership and excellent interpersonal skills.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Clinical Research Performance in London employer: Royal Marsden
The Royal Marsden in Kingston upon Thames is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises patient care and employee development. With a focus on teamwork and professional growth, staff members benefit from ongoing training opportunities and a commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful healthcare outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Clinical Research Performance in London
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Royal Marsden.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Royal Marsden.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Royal Marsden, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Clinical Research Performance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Royal Marsden.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Royal Marsden.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Royal Marsden. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Royal Marsden. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Marsden
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Royal Marsden’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
