Job summary The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an exceptional leader to join our Research & Innovation (R&I) Division as Service Manager. This senior leadership role will provide strategic and operational oversight for the Research & Innovation Office, driving excellence in clinical research delivery across one of Europe's largest and most advanced cancer centres.
You will play a pivotal role in achieving our ambition to double the number of clinical trials by 2030 and meet national targets for clinical trial set‑up, including the UK's 150‑day benchmark. Working closely with our Divisional Manager and senior leadership team, you’ll ensure our systems, processes, and people enable world‑class research performance and a culture of innovation.
We are looking for an experienced NHS or NIHR research leader who can bring energy, vision and credibility to a highly skilled multidisciplinary team. You will have a proven record of improving research delivery, implementing digital transformation, managing complex stakeholder relationships and leading large teams through change.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a measurable impact on cancer research and patient outcomes, helping to shape the future of research delivery at The Christie and beyond.
Details
Posted 12 November 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8b
Salary: £64,455 to £74,896 a year, pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: 413‑100023‑RI‑AK
Job location: Manchester, M20 4BX
Responsibilities
* Ensure timely, efficient clinical trial set‑up in line with national 150‑day performance targets.
* Lead the implementation of digital research systems including EDGE and electronic Trial Master File solutions.
* Lead workforce development and service transformation initiatives to enhance capacity and capability.
* Foster collaboration across investigators, research teams, sponsors and regional partners to deliver high‑quality research.
* Drive continuous improvement, innovation and a culture of empowerment across the R&I Office.
* Represent the R&I Division at senior governance groups, including the Executive Research & Innovation Group (ERIG), contributing to strategic priorities and organisational performance.
* Participate in strategic planning for the R&I Office and Division, using performance data to monitor and improve service efficiency and quality.
* Maintain and update the R&I Office Business Continuity Plan annually.
* Manage financial monitoring, forecasting, budgeting and reporting to NIHR and NHS partners.
* Prepare robust business cases and financial options appraisals to inform decision‑making and service redesign.
* Lead, coach and manage staff performance, ensuring a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
* Communicate complex information to senior managers, external stakeholders and the public, including presentations to staff groups.
* Maintain professional development and knowledge of national and local clinical, quality, compliance and research governance initiatives.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Educated to Masters level (in a relevant discipline) or equivalent level, or equivalent experience of working at a senior level.
* Evidence of continuing professional development.
Desirable
* Post‑graduate management, leadership qualification or prior experience.
* Current GCP certification.
Experience
* Significant experience in an NHS/NIHR or equivalent research environment with a strong track record of improving clinical trial set‑up performance.
* Experience leading digital transformation projects to improve operational delivery.
* Experience managing external stakeholder relationships, including sponsors, CROs and regulatory bodies.
* Experience managing complex services and solving operational and strategic problems.
* Proven track record of leadership, managing redesign, organisational change, service activity and service reconfiguration.
* Track record of delivering against set objectives and achieving key organisational targets, demonstrating continuous performance improvement.
* Experience designing and implementing policy and long‑term strategic plans.
* Experience managing large groups of staff and implementing HR strategies and policies.
* Experience managing budgets and business cases.
Desirable
* Experience working in a pressured, unpredictable environment.
* Experience developing and maintaining effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
Skills
* Analytical rigour: provides critical challenge, presents data logically, undertakes risk and impact management.
* Change management: proven change management and project management skills at pace.
* Decision making: sensitive to political and organisational issues, applies sound judgement.
* Communication: builds rapport, checks understanding, energises and persuades.
* Relationships: collaborates with key decision makers and encourages partnership.
* Drive for results: champions measurable achievement and negotiates prioritisation.
* Business thinking: translates context to enable teams to see their contribution and encourages innovative approaches.
Knowledge
* Knowledge of national R&D priorities, NIHR and developments including KPIs and performance management.
* Detailed knowledge of managing performance, capacity, demand and activity.
* Knowledge of project/programme management.
Desirable
* Understanding of digital health and research technology trends, including decentralised trials and real‑world evidence approaches.
Values
* Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours.
Other Information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Employer details The Christie NHS FT
Business Planning -01523
Manchester
M20 4BX
Employer website: https://www.christie.nhs.uk/
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