Job overview
The Commercial Research Development Manager will lead the establishment of a joint commercial research function spanning mental health, community health and integrated care settings across Kent and Medway, serving a combined population of 1.9 million people.
This is an exciting new post sitting at the heart of a pioneering partnership between Kent and Medway Mental Health Trust (KMMH) and Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) the Kent Life Sciences Partnership.
This post is the cornerstone of a strategic 3–5 year transformation programme to position Kent and Medway as a leading commercial research partner for the life sciences industry. The post holder will develop and operationalise the infrastructure, relationships and workforce capability needed to attract and deliver commercial clinical trials at scale, generating sustainable income for both organisations and expanding research access for patients across the region.
Working under the oversight of the KMMH Research Development Lead (KMMH) and Head of Research (KCHFT), the post holder will provide visible leadership across both organisations, manage complex multi-stakeholder relationships with industry partners and academic collaborators, and ensure all commercial research activity is delivered to the highest standards of quality and governance.
Main duties of the job
- Lead the development and operationalisation of the Kent Life Sciences Partnership’s commercial research strategy, positioning KMMH and KCHFT as a competitive, integrated commercial research partner for the life sciences industry.
- Actively engage pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers and contract research organisations (CROs) to identify and bid for commercial trial opportunities, leveraging existing industry relationships and developing new ones.
- Ensure all commercial research activity complies with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), UK Clinical Trials Regulations, UK Policy Framework for Health and Care Research and all relevant regulatory requirements.
- Work toward opening at least 1 commercial study across mental health and community settings, demonstrating partnership capability as Phase 1 proof of concept.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached Job Description for further details of the role and requirements.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working across organisational boundaries and developing multi-organisation partnerships
- Experience of business development, income generation or life sciences industry engagement within the NHS or a related health setting
Qualifications, Training & Registrations
Essential
- Masters level degree or equivalent training/experience in clinical research delivery, management or governance, or a relevant health/life sciences field
- Recent Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- Higher degree or formal study of research design and methods in clinical or social settings
- Business development, commercial or entrepreneurial qualification or training
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Commercial Research Development Manager with Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust in Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. It is listed as a Band 7 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £49,387 - £56,515 per annum pro rata. The contract type is 6 months (Part-time, Fixed-term 31st March 2027). The application deadline is 27 Aug 2026.
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