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Job requirements
Requirements from the employer’s person specification. These describe the role, not your personal match.
Essential
17 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Trust Values
Patients First
- Trust Values
Always Improving
- Trust Values
Working Together
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Specialist, professional knowledge of clinical research management acquired through a degree or equivalent experience.
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Master level qualification of equivalent experience in related field.
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Management experience to diploma level or equivalent experience.
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Experience of clinical or NHS research management to include experience in the approval and set up and conduct of clinical research studies
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Up to date knowledge of current and planned national systems and structures for the set-up, management and oversight of clinical research in the NHS.
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Detailed knowledge and understanding of key national R&D policies and strategies
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Financial management and experience
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Ability to analyse and interpret complex research management information.
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Flexible approach to working and a desire to develop knowledge
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Knowledge of the governance and legislative framework for conducting clinical research studies, including Good Clinical Practice.
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Highly motivated, with the ability to influence and inspire others
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Ability to communicate complex information orally and in writing to a range of audiences.
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Proven interpersonal skills to work with a wide range of clinical and management colleagues
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Experience of writing and implementing policies and procedures
Desirable
2 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Management qualification.
- Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Experience of the practical application of EU legislation and guidance relating to research.
Job overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Please see below for the detailed job description of the role.
Main duties of the job
Are you ready to take on a senior leadership role where you can shape the future of NHS research at both the organisational and regional levels?
As Head of the R&D Central Office, you will play a pivotal role in driving both the strategic direction and operational delivery of research across University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and the wider CRDC: Wessex region. Working closely with the Director and Deputy Director of R&D, you will lead the development of consistent, high-quality research governance and innovative approaches to multi-site study set-up and delivery across partner organisations.
A core part of your role will be leading regional collaboration—bringing together systems, processes, and partners across CRDC Wessex to reduce variation, improve efficiency, and enable studies to be opened and delivered at pace. You will work with hubs and spokes across the region to align capacity, distribute workload effectively, and ensure the successful delivery of the 150-day set-up ambition, helping to position Wessex as a high-performing and nationally recognised research system.
Through this work, you will directly influence how research is delivered at scale—supporting improved patient access to research, strengthening partnerships with NIHR, DHSC and industry, and contributing to the Trust’s ambition to be one of the top 10 clinical research organisations in the UK.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
You will report to the Deputy Director of R&D and lead the R&D Central Office team, providing strong leadership, direction, and development opportunities. You will work closely with clinical leaders, research teams, and senior stakeholders locally, regionally, and nationally, playing a key role in shaping shared priorities and driving system-wide improvement.
You will lead the strategic and operational delivery of R&D across UHS and CRDC Wessex, driving high-quality, consistent research governance and performance across multiple organisations.
You will shape and deliver innovative approaches to multi-site study set-up and delivery, improving timelines and supporting achievement of the 150-day ambition across the region.
You will act as a senior leader across the system, working with NIHR, DHSC, academic partners and clinical teams to align priorities, influence national programmes, and strengthen research delivery.
You’ll demonstrate strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to work across organisational boundaries and lead change at a regional or system level.
You’ll have in-depth knowledge of national research policy, regulatory frameworks (including Good Clinical Practice), and the wider NHS research landscape.
You’ll be confident managing complex budgets and analysing performance data to inform strategic and operational decision-making.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Head of R&D Central Office with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust in Southampton, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Head of service role. The advertised salary is £66,582 - £77,368 pa or pa pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 10 Sep 2026.
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