Role Summary
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
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail 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:
1. Leading the delivery and continuous improvement of the Trust’s Sponsorship Service
2. Providing expert oversight of sponsorship responsibilities across a wide and complex study portfolio
3. Working closely with senior leaders, including the R&D Operations Director, to influence strategy and decision‑making
4. Advising and supporting Chief Investigators, drawing on your prior experience to enable high‑quality, compliant, and innovative research
5. Driving quality, governance, regulatory compliance, and efficiency across sponsored studies
6. 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:
7. Demonstrable experience of managing or overseeing sponsored research within the NHS, academia, or a comparable research setting
8. A deep understanding of sponsor responsibilities, governance frameworks, and regulatory requirements
9. The confidence and credibility to advise senior stakeholders and influence at organisational level
10. 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.
Why join us?
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 : - :
Interview Date: Week beginning th May 6
For further information please contact: Michelle Treglown, Executive and Specialist Recruitment Resourcer at
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.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over, staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than, people, cover more than 2, square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
11. National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
12. Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
13. Car lease schemes.
14. The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
15. Cycle to work scheme
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.