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.
About the Role
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 hands‑on 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 Trust’s 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 decision‑making
* 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.
If you are an experienced sponsored research professional ready to shape the future of NHS research, we would love to hear from you.
Working Pattern: Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:00
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 believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and ‘At Risk’ status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
* National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
* Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
* Car lease schemes.
* The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
* Cycle to work scheme
* Salary Band 8a: £57,528 - £64,750 per annum pro rata
* Frequency Annual
* Vacancy Reference 185-12582-12990
* Contract Type Permanent
* Closing Date 10 May, 2026
* Job Category Administration
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