Intelligent Automation Programme Manager
The closing date is 09 June 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and innovative individual to join our R&D Governance team, leading the development of intelligent automation and AI‑enabled solutions to support cutting‑edge clinical research. This is a senior, Trust‑wide role focused on transforming how research is set up and delivered – helping to reduce duplication, improve efficiency, and accelerate timelines so patients can benefit from new treatments sooner.
Ideally, you will bring strong experience in leading complex improvement programmes, with expertise in automation, digital transformation or data‑driven change within a healthcare, research or similar environment. You will have excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
You will be joining a vibrant and forward‑thinking team at the forefront of research innovation, with hybrid working available. This is a new and strategically important role, offering the opportunity to shape how automation and digital tools are embedded across research governance processes at scale.
Main duties of the job
You will lead a portfolio of intelligent automation projects across R&D, working closely with governance, finance, legal, and digital teams to deliver practical, scalable solutions.
This includes:
* Designing and implementing AI‑enabled workflows to streamline research set‑up and reduce manual processes
* Leading the development of automation tools across feasibility, approvals, costings, and contracts
* Working collaboratively with partner Trusts to develop reusable, nationally transferable solutions
* Providing expert leadership, training and support to staff adopting new technologies
* Developing dashboards and reporting systems to demonstrate improvements in performance and efficiency
About us
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge.
Benefits to you
We offer development opportunities and a range of benefits, including on‑site leisure facilities, a shopping concourse, day nurseries, reduced‑cost Stagecoach bus travel, and subsidised parking for eligible staff. Hot food is available 24/7 and a staff pod break space is provided on the CUH campus. Flexible arrangements such as part‑time working, job share, term‑time working, and flexible start and finish times are available.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field (informatics, digital health, engineering, computer science, data / automation)
* Experience in leading and managing improvement projects in NHS research or social care setting
* Evidence of continuing professional development in automation / AI (e.g. Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power Platform, data integration, prompt / agent design)
* Microsoft certifications (Power Platform, Azure, Security / Compliance), Lean / Six Sigma, PRINCE2 / Agile
* Good Clinical Practice
Experience
* Experience of delivering automation or AI assisted workflows in complex organisations, with measurable operational impact
* Experience of using Microsoft Co‑pilot / 365 environment, Power Automate / Apps, SharePoint, Outlook / Teams
* Demonstrable success in delivering change and implementing performance improvement
* Experience of putting into practice strategy and associated plans for a specific programme of change
* Excellent communication skills, including negotiation, with proven ability to liaise and lead change within a multidisciplinary team environment
* Experience of building relationships with internal and external stakeholders in a strategic manner
* Experience of research delivery within a complex and dynamic research infrastructure
* Experience of problem solving
* Experience of working across boundaries
* Experience within a scientific, healthcare or clinical research regulated environment
* Experience working with research governance processes and support departments (capacity / feasibility, contracts, pharmacy, imaging)
* Familiarity with Cobblestone or similar CLM, and finance data / reporting (Oracle Fusion / Edge Financials)
Knowledge
* Demonstratable knowledge of automation design, system patterns, systems integration, data governance, security controls, access management and solution assurance
* Principles of prompt engineering and agent orchestration; appreciation of grounding data, hallucination mitigation, and human‑in‑the‑loop controls
* Demonstrable high level of understanding and working practice of the processes, regulations and codes of practice (ethics / GCP / MHRA) that underpin clinical research delivery
* Knowledge of NHS Information Governance, data protection, and digital clinical safety basics in research contexts
* Strong understanding of CUH Research and Development Finance Infrastructure
* Knowledge of CUH finance platforms used for clinical research billing and invoicing
* Basics of SQL / Excel Power Query / Python for data transformation; APIs / exports for low‑code integrations
Skills
* Ability to translate service problems into automation opportunities with clear acceptance criteria and benefits
* Proven leadership skills at a senior level including management of change
* Proven ability in managing operational change while developing and maintaining high standards of quality
* Ability to analyse and interpret complex information and to make judgments regarding complex research / management issues
* Ability to coordinate others to deliver outputs
* Able to develop and implement strong documentation – SOPs, policy, guidelines, training and projects from initiation to completion
* Proven ability to deal with changing priorities and differing situations, building consensus and driving adoption
* Proven organisational skills and ability to plan ahead, set priorities and work to deadlines
* Ability to build and maintain relationships and networks relevant to the work remit with excellent written and verbal communication for non‑technical audiences
* Demonstrable commitment to improving service efficiency transformation, staff experience and research delivery through responsible innovation
* Ability to work under pressure balancing conflicting workloads
* Ability to work independently with initiative and maintain confidentiality
* Ability to negotiate effectively, be persuasive and maintain integrity in sometimes contentious or challenging situations
Additional Requirements
* The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
* Inclusive leadership, willingness to work together with partner sites and flexibility to meet programme deadlines.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social‑economic background.
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