Join the Service Manager Research and Innovation role at NHS.
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 will ensure our systems, processes and people enable world‑class research performance and a culture of innovation.
Main Duties
* Ensure timely, efficient clinical trial set‑up in line with national 150‑day performance targets.
* Lead 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.
Responsibilities
* Provide leadership and direction for departmental managers within R&I, ensuring clear communication of policy, business objectives and agreed targets.
* Develop and implement HR strategies to attract, recruit, retain and develop staff.
* Champion digital adoption and innovation throughout the R&I Office.
* Oversee strategic planning, performance monitoring and service improvement initiatives.
* Ensure compliance with legislative and policy changes, including Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 and the Transforming the UK Clinical Research System (DHSC, 2025).
* Represent the R&I Division on senior governance groups and contribute to strategic priorities and policy implementation.
* Manage financial performance, budget allocation and external service provider oversight.
* Lead the digital transformation journey, embedding EDGE and an electronic Trial Master File solution.
* Maintain and update the R&I Office Business Continuity Plan annually.
* Communicate complex information, present business cases and negotiate with stakeholders to advance research outcomes.
* Promote staff development and professional growth, ensuring access to training and education resources.
Qualifications and Experience
* Educated to Masters level (in a relevant discipline) or equivalent.
* Significant experience working 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 delivering organisational change.
* Proven ability to manage budgets and business cases.
* Experience handling large staff groups and implementing HR strategies.
* Experience of designing and implementing policy and long‑term strategic plans.
* Experience working in a pressurised, unpredictable environment (desirable).
* Experience developing effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders (desirable).
* Post‑graduate management, leadership qualification or prior experience (desirable).
* Current GCP certification (desirable).
Person Specification
Essential:
* Analytical rigour: logical decision‑making, risk and impact management.
* Change and project management skills, capable of leading service redesign.
* Decision‑making in complex, politically sensitive contexts.
* Effective communication, building rapport and persuading stakeholders.
* Relationship building with key decision makers.
* Drive for results, recognising and recovering from under‑delivery.
* Business thinking, understanding external context and applying it to teams.
* Knowledge of national R&D priorities, NIHR and performance management.
* Knowledge of managing performance, capacity, demand and activity.
* Knowledge of project/programme management.
* Ability to demonstrate organisational values and behaviours.
Desirable:
* Understanding of digital health and research technology trends (decentralised trials, real‑world evidence).
* Experience of working under pressure and unpredictable conditions.
* Experience in developing and maintaining effective partnerships.
* Post‑graduate management and leadership qualifications.
* Current GCP certification.
Certification and Checks
This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers requiring 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 Foundation Trust
Business Planning – Q01523, Manchester, M20 4BX
Website: https://www.christie.nhs.uk/
Job Information
Reference Number: 413‑100023‑RI‑AK
Date Posted: 12 November 2025
Band: 8b
Salary: £64,455 to £74,896 per annum, pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time
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