Job vacancy: CRDC UK Network Operational Program Manager, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester

Job summary

Main area: Commercial Research Delivery Centre
Grade: NHS AfC: Band 8a
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref: 358-7431953-COR

Employer: University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Leicester General Hospital
Town: Leicester
Salary: £55,690 - £62,682 per annum / pro rota for part time hours
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 26/09/2025 23:59

CRDC UK Network Operational Program Manager

NHS AfC: Band 8a

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might not be specific or relevant enough to address the criteria in the recruitment profile
often seem generic and not personalised enough – an AI response won’t show your unique voice and perspective
could misrepresent information about you, such as your qualifications, skills and experience

We monitor applications for any behaviour that could create an unfair advantage, and we check all references carefully. You are likely to be tested on your experience at interview, so be honest and make sure all the information in your application is correct.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This role will also serve as an external representative for the CRDC UK Network in all operational-related activities, driving operational initiatives and ensuring high-quality and consistent operations across the Network.

KEY RESULT AREAS

Operational & Performance Management

Coordinate the Network Operational Team, responsible for delivery oversight, performance management and cross-Network collaboration.

Facilitate and coordinate working groups to deliver cross-CRDC Network theme activities for Operational Services, Data, Activity & Performance, and Skills, Training and Workforce Development.

Plan and organise networks services and facilities that support the delivery of CRDC site targets for commercial research, as described in the CRDC UK Network strategy. This will involve liaison with the Network Operational Director, Strategic and Inclusion-Engagement Program Managers, CRDC site leads and delegates, and delivery teams across the UK.

Management oversight of CRDC UK Network budgets and accounts effectively and flexibly, in liaison with the CRDC UK Network Finance Manager to control all related expenditure to ensure delivery of commitments to support the CRDC UK Networks business plan and infrastructure needs, while ensuring that all financial transactions conform to Financial Regulations. This will require an appreciation of longer-term issues and periodically a review of financial procedures to ensure both effectiveness and efficiency in all areas of financial management.

Work collaboratively with the Network Operational Director in such a way that the business plans are fulfilled and that there is adherence to the budget, quality and governance frameworks for research and finance and other performance targets.

Work with the UHL Corporate R&I office on centralised processes such as study/recruitment data, performance monitoring and management, management systems and tools.

Oversee Network Key Performance Indicator (KPI) data collection and prepare annual reports for agencies including the statutory reporting to the NIHR.

Use analytical skills to compare and interpret complex data and information to inform decision making.

Work in partnership and in parallel with the NIHR infrastructure at network sites nationally and with infrastructure co-ordinating centres to ensure that infrastructure objectives are met collaboratively; this will require joint utilisation of resource, joint planning and joint measurement of KPIs.

Ensure management protocols, process and monitoring arrangements are in place so that the quality of the service and performance relative to targets / plans objectives / can be monitored and corrective action taken.

Lead on complaints recording procedures for the CRDC UK Network and liaise with appropriate officers in the host trust to respond and resolve any complaints.

Ensure that the most efficient use is made of existing available resources and maximise opportunities within the network for income generation, both internally and externally.

Act as a role model and teacher, providing mentorship and support and demonstrate exemplary practice to all members of the network team.

Ensure effective interaction with personnel services regarding Network staffing issues associated with performance, recruitment and retention of all staff and effective maintenance of departmental staff records.

Health & Safety and Security

· Maintain and develop an environment and culture that improves health, safety and security.

Regularly assesses risks to health, safety and security using the results to promote and improve practice.

· Supports a psychologically safe culture in which individuals feel able to report incidents and that learning takes place from all incidents and complaints.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Support implementation and delivery of the Network EDI Strategy in collaboration with the Inclusion-Engagement Program Manager, Network’s Research Inclusion leads and individual CRDCs strategies.

Making research more diverse is critical to addressing persistent health inequalities. The CRDC UK Network will work with and support national priorities, and support CRDCs to deliver research in more diverse and under-served populations,
The post holder will ensure that, wherever possible, research is delivered where the patients with the greatest need are located. This means increasing the capacity and confidence to deliver research in areas with the highest disease burdens and levels of deprivation. By boosting capacity and actively reaching out to engage more diverse communities, through trusted channels, the network can ensure it better serves the healthcare needs of our communities in all locations nationals.

Person specification

Training and Qualifications

Essential criteria

Degree level or equivalent qualification/equivalent level of experience
Relevant professional and/or management qualification
Evidence of continuous professional development

Desirable criteria

Master's Degree in relevant subject

Experience

Essential criteria

Significant management experience in a clinical research environment with at least 5 years in a role which has included:
Management of staff at several levels*
Significant budgetary management
Meeting targets and delivering an efficient service*
Strategic/business planning
Initiating and leading effective service improvements.
Facilities development and management
Commercial clinical trials delivery*
Maintaining confidentiality and security of sensitive information

Analytical and Judgement Skills

Essential criteria

Demonstrate high level negotiation and leadership skills

Skills

Essential criteria

IT skills including use of the internet, word-processing, spreadsheets and data bases with experience of manipulating data
Knowledge and understanding of accounting processes and financial systems

Planning and organisation skills

Essential criteria

Computer literate and able to use digital tools and systems for data monitoring and management
Drive efficient delivery of workload to tight timescales and under pressure

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Essential criteria

Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.
All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others

Additional Information

Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.

Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.

UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.

UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.

The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.

The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.

COVID 19 Risk Assessment

Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.

The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.

If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.

Covid Vaccination Status

Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.