Job summary
- Main area
- Research
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 8a
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 425-26-8154812
- Employer
- Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
- Town
- Sheffield
- Salary
- £57,528 - £64,750 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 23/08/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Research & Development Manager
NHS AfC: Band 8a
Job overview
Permanent | Full Time
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, and developing strategic partnerships. You’ll also contribute to workforce planning, public/patient insight engagement (PPIE), and help 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
Reporting into the Associate Director, your responsibilities will include:
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Lead the Trust’s Research Governance function to ensure high-quality, compliant research.
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Help develop and implement the Trust’s Research & Innovation Strategy.
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Manage research projects, ensuring systems meet performance targets and compliance.
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Identify and leverage funding opportunities for research.
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Guide investigators through governance processes and ensure continuous improvement.
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Ensure transparency and accountability in financial management of research projects.
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Build relationships with external funders, regulators, and partners.
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Promote the Trust’s research achievements and expand its portfolio through partnerships.
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Strengthen research culture across the Trust and collaborate with external partners.
Working for our organisation
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.
****We strongly encourage all applicants to review their right to work eligibility before submitting an application to help avoid any disappointment during the recruitment process.
This role has been assigned occupation code 1171 using the CASCOT coding tool. Under current Home Office guidance for further information on occupation codes, sponsorship eligibility and right-to-work requirements, please visit: Skilled Worker visa: Your Job – GOV.UK. Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes - GOV.UK
Diversity Statement
At Sheffield Children’s, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyone’s success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.
Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at [email protected]. Together, we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs.
Person specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential criteria
- 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
Essential criteria
- 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
Desirable criteria
- Specialist experience of research regulatory issues governing the conduct of clinical research in the NHS
- Experience of working on / setting up / auditing / monitoring clinical research projects
- Experience of regulatory inspections (e.g. MHRA, HTA)
- Experience of conducing own research
Knowledge and Skills
Essential criteria
- 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
Essential criteria
- 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
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have regular contact with vulnerable people and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Gillian Gatenby
- Job title
- Associate Director - Research and Innovation
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0114 226 7980
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