R&D Research Sponsorship Manager
Closing date: 10 May 2026
Play a leading role in research that genuinely changes lives.
At Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, research is central to how we deliver outstanding care. We know that patients treated in research‑active organisations experience better outcomes and we are proud to place research at the heart of everything we do.
Main duties of the job
Following rapid growth in our research activity and infrastructure over the past five years, this is a pivotal moment to join us. We are seeking a highly experienced Sponsored Study Manager to lead and further develop our Sponsorship Service, supporting a diverse, complex, and expanding portfolio of clinical trials and research studies.
This role is ideally suited to someone who already brings significant handson experience of sponsored research, and who is ready to operate at a senior, influential level within a large NHS organisation.
Working in close partnership with the University of Exeter, we host an outstanding research ecosystem including an NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, HealthTech Research Centre, and Clinical Research Facility, alongside the Peninsula Applied Research Collaboration, Regional Research Delivery Network, and a thriving Commercial Research Centre. This creates a rare opportunity for an established research professional to work at the forefront of a highly collaborative and innovative environment.
The role
This is a senior leadership position with real scope to shape how sponsored research is delivered across the Trust. You will be expected to bring proven experience, sound judgement, and credibility from day one. Key responsibilities include:
* Leading the delivery and continuous improvement of the Trusts Sponsorship Service
* Providing expert oversight of sponsorship responsibilities across a wide and complex study portfolio
* Working closely with senior leaders, including the R&D Operations Director, to influence strategy and decisionmaking
* Advising and supporting Chief Investigators, drawing on your prior experience to enable high quality, compliant, and innovative research
* Driving quality, governance, regulatory compliance, and efficiency across sponsored studies
* Contributing to strategic planning and helping to shape the future direction of research at the Royal Devon
About you
We are specifically seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking research professional, with a strong background in sponsored studies. You will have:
* Demonstrable experience of managing or overseeing sponsored research within the NHS, academia, or a comparable research setting
* A deep understanding of sponsor responsibilities, governance frameworks, and regulatory requirements
* The confidence and credibility to advise senior stakeholders and influence at organisational level
* A collaborative leadership style and a passion for enabling high quality, impactful research
This role is not suitable for someone new to sponsored studies; instead, it offers an exciting next step for someone ready to apply their expertise at scale and make a visible organisational impact.
This is more than a management role—it's an opportunity to use your experience to make a real difference. You will be enabling research that improves patient care today while helping to design the studies of tomorrow. In return, you'll join a supportive and ambitious organisation where your expertise will be recognised, your ideas welcomed, and your impact clearly seen.
Benefits
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.
We will provide flexible working schemes and family‑friendly policies.
Paid annual leave: 27 days (plus bank holidays) for starting staff, rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
Access to comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
Extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and cost‑sharing on technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.
National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
Salary sacrifice options including nursery onsite at Exeter.
Health Service Pension scheme.
Cycle to work scheme.
Person Specification
General requirements: [see job description above]
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
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