NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) Director

Job overview

The NIHR East of England Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) Director is a senior, high‑impact leadership role. As East of England (EoE) RRDN Network Director, you will provide strategic direction, operational oversight and system‑wide leadership to enable the effective delivery of high‑quality research that benefits patients, the public and the wider health and care system. You will shape regional strategy, influence national priorities as a member of the NIHR RDN Board, and lead major programmes of work that strengthen research capability and capacity across diverse settings.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced, visionary leader who thrives in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments. You will bring a deep understanding of research, the NHS and the wider health and care system, alongside proven executive‑level experience in strategic leadership, change management and cross‑organisational collaboration. If you are motivated by improving outcomes, tackling health inequalities and supporting innovation across the life sciences and health research landscape, this role offers a rare platform to make a national impact.

Closing date: 27 September 2026

Interview date: 11 November 2026

Main duties of the job

As EoE RRDN Network Director, you will lead the establishment, delivery and performance of the East of England Regional Research Delivery Network. This includes overseeing strategic planning, operational management and business planning, ensuring effective governance, driving continuous improvement, and championing the involvement of patients, carers and the public in research. You will manage a senior leadership team, provide expert guidance on research delivery, and oversee a significant annual budget to ensure value for money and high‑quality services. You will also build strong relationships with NHS organisations, Integrated Care Systems, NIHR partners, universities, local authorities and the life sciences industry to maximise research impact and opportunity.

We are seeking a strategic, politically astute leader with outstanding communication, negotiation and stakeholder‑engagement skills. You will need extensive experience of leading complex programmes, managing large budgets and interpreting national policy into deliverable regional priorities. Strong analytical, problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities are essential, along with integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and the ability to inspire teams. A Master’s degree and executive‑level leadership experience are required.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For full details of duties and responsibilities as part of this role, please view the Job Description and person specification.

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

• Overall leadership, delivery and management of the RRDNBe accountable to the Host Lead, NIHR RDN CEO and the RDN Board for;the establishment and delivery of the RRDN○ the operational performance of the RRDN○ the management and assurance of RRDN funding○ oversight of the development and delivery of the RRDN 3 year Strategic Implementation Plan○ ensuring the Host Organisation fulfils the obligations of the RRDN Host Organisation Contract○ Be a visible leader and actively promote a culture of staff development and wellbeing○ ensuring the vision, values and behaviours of the RDN are embraced across the RRDN

BUSINESS PLANNING

• Strategic oversight, development and approval of RRDN business, financial, strategic development and impact plans, and associated reports
• Develop and optimise potential for high quality and sustainable health and care research within the region and nationally in alignment with RDN vision, direction and strategic aims

OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

• Overall accountability for the delivery and management of the RRDN with oversight of all aspects of the RRDN’s daily business
• Line management of the RRDN Strategic Development Director, RRDN Operations Director and RRDN Health & Care Research Directors and have ultimate accountability for all departments and roles in the RRDN Staff structure

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

• Provide strong leadership, engaging with the regional research community to support and enable the efficient set up and delivery of RDN Portfolio research, with particular emphasis on addressing the needs of the life sciences industry
• Ensure the establishment and oversight of effective systems and processes for robust performance management to ensure the RRDN Host Organisation Contract is adhered to

NHS AND NON-NHS ENGAGEMENT

• Develop and foster effective relationships and collaborations with stakeholders such as, but not limited to, ICS/ICBs, HEIs, charities, other NIHR infrastructure, NHSE/I, AHSNs, to enhance and promote research and development across the health and care economy
• Ensure engagement and commitment from regional NHS organisations / providers of NHS services, other parts of NIHR and key external stakeholders as appropriate to enable implementation of RDN strategies

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties 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.