Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Project Manager to join the NIHR HealthTech Research Centres (HRC) Network. This role will support the Patient and Public Involvement and Research Inclusion (PPIE/RI) workstream, one of the Network's six core functions that coordinate activities across 14 HealthTech Research Centres nationwide.

Based at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with travel to partner institutions, you will be responsible for implementing the Network's PPIE and Research Inclusion strategy, developing and maintaining relationships with patient groups, community organisations, and key stakeholders. Working closely with the Network team and PPIE/RI workstream leads, you will coordinate activities that ensure meaningful patient and public involvement is embedded throughout the Network's work while promoting inclusive research practices that address health inequalities.

The ideal candidate will have experience in project management within a research or healthcare environment, with demonstrable knowledge of patient and public involvement practices. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work autonomously while building strong working relationships across a geographically dispersed network are essential. A master's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as health services research, public engagement, or community development is required. 

Main duties of the job

The role involves managing workstream activities, facilitating collaboration between HRCs on PPIE best practices, supporting the development of guidance and training resources, and ensuring the Network responds effectively to nationally prioritised unmet needs. You will work collaboratively with NHS organisations, academic partners, national bodies, and diverse community groups to deliver the workstream's strategic objectives.

You will build strong working relationships across all HRCs, supporting cross-network activities and contributing to quality assurance processes. Your responsibilities will include monitoring performance, preparing reports, and supporting the overall delivery of Network objectives.

This vacancy is advertised on a fixed term contract basis for a period of 2 years due to the post being externally funded. The fixed term contract status of the post holder will be reviewed in accordance with the Trust's legal obligations regarding fixed term contracts taking into consideration the ongoing source of the external funding and the requirement for the post to be maintained.

Please also note any secondment must first be agreed with your current line manager.

Working for our organisation

You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives.

Working as part of the Network team, you will support relationship building across our 14 HRC centres, connecting with key internal and external stakeholders. You will help develop your workstream in conjunction with overall network objectives and the workstream lead. The role requires strong communication skills, autonomy, and an understanding of healthcare innovation, alongside project management expertise and stakeholder engagement abilities to successfully coordinate activities and maintain effective partnerships.