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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic research team and shape the future of healthcare research.
- Company: Join a leading Trust dedicated to improving patient outcomes for 780,000 individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, excellent training opportunities, and a strong focus on health and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in clinical research and governance at a senior level is essential.
- Other info: This role offers a competitive salary and the chance to work with a diverse workforce.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 62000 £ per year.
We are seeking an ambitious, dynamic, and experienced individual to join us as Head of Research. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of research within a forward-thinking Trust that recognises the vital impact of high-quality research on both patient outcomes and staff development.
As Head of Research, you will lead a respected and capable team, providing strategic oversight and operational direction. You will play a critical role in driving the continued growth, performance, and reputation of our research function. Your leadership will ensure we:
- Expand our research portfolio and capacity in partnership with local and national research-active organisations
- Maximise the use of our resources and funding to deliver a high-performing, efficient research service
- Achieve both Trust-level and national research performance objectives
- Enhance our internal and external research profile
We’re looking for someone who is passionate about research and its role in transforming healthcare. You will bring:
- Significant experience in clinical research and governance at a senior level—within the NHS, industry, or academia
- A proven ability to lead, develop, and grow services while driving continuous improvement
- Strong strategic and business planning skills
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the credibility to engage effectively across internal and external stakeholders
We are a leading local employer with a diverse workforce of approximately 6,000 staff, dedicated to providing healthcare services to a growing population of around 780,000 individuals. Our Trust provides both emergency and planned healthcare across East Surrey, North-East West Sussex, and South Croydon - covering towns like Crawley, Horsham, Reigate, and Redhill. Our main hospital, East Surrey in Redhill, offers a full range of acute and specialist services and is also the closest trauma unit to Gatwick Airport. We also provide outpatient, diagnostic, and planned care services at sites including The Earlswood Centre, Caterham Dene Hospital, Oxted Health Centre, Crawley Hospital, and Horsham Hospital.
We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we work hard to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. At our Trust, we strive to be the best place to work and receive care. We are dedicated to supporting you in your current role while helping you grow and develop your career. As part of our team, you will have access to excellent training opportunities, flexible working, dedicated support networks, and a strong emphasis on health and wellbeing to ensure a thriving and positive work environment.
For further information regarding the role please read the attached job description and person specification.
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.
£62,215 to £72,293 a year plus high cost allowance.
Head of Research employer: Sussexcommunity
Contact Detail:
Sussexcommunity Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Research
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the healthcare research field. Attend relevant conferences, seminars, or workshops to meet potential colleagues and stakeholders. Building these connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and developments in clinical research and governance. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in detail. Think of specific examples where you successfully led a team or project, focusing on how you drove improvements and achieved objectives, as this will be crucial for the Head of Research role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our Trust thoroughly, including its values, recent projects, and future goals. Tailoring your discussions around how your vision aligns with ours will show that you are genuinely interested in contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Research position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should clearly demonstrate your passion for research and its impact on healthcare. Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your leadership, strategic planning, and communication skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Ensure your CV reflects significant experience in clinical research and governance. Include details about your previous roles, achievements, and how you have contributed to service growth and improvement.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any grammatical errors or typos. A well-written application is crucial, especially since the role requires a good standard of written English.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sussexcommunity
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As the Head of Research, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to highlight your previous leadership roles. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams, driven performance, and fostered a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your strategic planning skills. Think about how you've previously expanded research portfolios or maximised resources. Be ready to articulate your vision for the future of research within the Trust and how you plan to achieve it.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Exceptional communication is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively engaged with various stakeholders in the past. Consider examples where your negotiation skills led to successful partnerships or funding opportunities.
✨Align with Trust Values
Familiarise yourself with the Trust's values and behaviours. During the interview, demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the organisational culture.
