Research Contracts and Funding Manager

Job overview

We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced R&I Contracts and Funding Manager to join our Group Corporate Research & Innovation Directorate at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group. In this pivotal role, you’ll lead the negotiation and management of research contracts and funding streams, enabling groundbreaking clinical trials and collaborative projects. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, have a strong grasp of research governance and legal frameworks, and are passionate about supporting innovation across the NHS, we’d love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

Responsible for leading and overseeing aspects of research contracting and funding applications across the group. This includes drafting, negotiating, and managing a wide range of research agreements, ensuring legal compliance and strategic alignment. The role involves identifying funding opportunities, maintaining contract templates, managing financial reporting for grants, and implementing digital systems for tracking contract performance. The postholder also provides expert advice on contractual and governance matters, leads training initiatives, supports strategic research programmes, and fosters collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to drive innovation and operational excellence. Role will line manage officer position and will need to ensure systems and processes in place to apply for research funding calls from diverse funding partners, ensuring an increase in research income.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Contracting and Legal Oversight

• Draft, review, negotiate, and execute research agreements including MTAs, DTAs, CDAs, SLAs, and multi-partner collaborations.
• Ensure all contracts comply with NHS policies, legal frameworks, and funder requirements.
• Lead quality control processes for research agreements prior to execution.
• Advise on contractual strategy, governance, and risk to clinical, academic, and executive colleagues.

Funding and Financial Management

• Oversee grant submissions and ensure accurate financial terms are included in contracts..
• Identify strategic funding opportunities and support innovation across the research portfolio.
• Serve as project manager for large-scale or strategic research programmes hosted by the Trust.

Team Leadership and Development

• Line manage the R&I Contracts and Funding Officer, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Provide training and professional development to direct reports and researchers.
• Lead thematic innovation initiatives and cultivate new partnerships.

Systems and Process Management

• Develop and implement SOPs and work instructions for research contracting and funding.
• Maintain a Trust-wide electronic register of contractual documentation.
• Lead the optimisation of digital systems for tracking contract timelines, deliverables, and compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement in contract-related workflows to meet strategic targets.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Represent the Trust in high-level negotiations with sponsors, funders, and partner institutions.
• Translate complex contractual and financial information into actionable insights for stakeholders.
• Promote collaboration across NHS, academic, and industry partners.
• Ensure high-quality reporting to funders and senior leadership.