Research Operational Lead

NHS

  • Manchester
  • £64,455-74,896 per year
  • Contract
  • Full-time
  • Just now
We are looking to recruit a Research Operational Lead (ROL) for 1 year to cover maternity leave of the current post-holder. The post-holder will join our research operational team working alongside a Research Operational Lead with the management of the Senior Research Operational Managers (SROMs) across Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), primarily to support and develop areas of strategic importance in the current climate. The role will take lead responsibility for the grant activity across MFT and associated studies and will be the Operational Lead of the new Childrens Health Research Institute. Our aim is to align our Research ambitions to the highly specialist clinical services that we offer across MFT. We want to further engage with our local community and offer research opportunities to all. We are looking for an ambitious senior manager who can make an impact for the benefit of our patients by working with colleagues across the Greater Manchester Ecosystem toThe Trust is committed to working together to improve the health and quality of life of our diverse communities. One of the five pillars of the MFT strategy is to deliver world class research and innovation that improves peoples lives. The Trust is highly committed to embedding research and innovation into its core business and to be able to offer patients the potential to be recruited to appropriate research studies (as per the NHS Constitution).Main duties of the jobThe research operational delivery teams led by the ROLs across MFT, support grant applications, oversee project approvals, manage finances to maintain and build capacity for research delivery, work to deliver against national metrics for sponsored and hosted studies.The ROLs troubleshoot issues across MFT working with appropriate colleagues to find a resolution so we can deliver research efficiently and for the benefit of our patients.Within R&I we're keen to support and develop our staff and have a robust education and training programme to standardise the delivery and outputs. We recognise the value in nurturing and enabling our workforce.This work involves close and frequent interaction with other internal stakeholders such as the Research Office, NIHR infrastructure colleagues, clinical services across the Trust, Clinical Group senior leadership teams and external bodies such as the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, contract research organisations and commercial companies.We need a senior manager who can focus on detail as well as the wider context to ensure that our high standards in health research are maintained and we continue to progress in the range of services we provide. Please also refer to the Person Specification to confirm the essential and desirable knowledge and skills required for this post.About usMFT is one of the largest NHS Trust In England with a turnover of over £3bn & is on a different scale than most other NHS Trusts. We're creating an exceptional integrated health & social care system for the 1 million patients who rely on our services every year.Bringing together 10 hospitals & community services from across Manchester, Trafford & beyond, we champion collaborative working & transformation, encouraging our 30,000 workforce to pursue their most ambitious goals. We set standards that other Trusts seek to emulate so you'll benefit from a scale of opportunity that is nothing short of extraordinary.We've also created a digitally enabled organisation to improve clinical quality, patient & staff experience, operational effectiveness & driving research, and innovation through the introduction of Hive; our Electronic Patient Record system which launched in September 2022.We're proud to be a major academic Research Centre & Education provider, providing you with a robust infrastructure to encourage and facilitate high-quality research programmes. What's more, we're excited to be embarking on our Green Plan which sets out how MFT continues to play its part in making healthcare more sustainable.At MFT, we create and foster a culture of inclusion and belonging, provide equal opportunities for career development that are fair, open, and transparent, protecting your health and wellbeing and shaping the future of our organisation together.DetailsDate posted04 September 2025Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 8bSalary£64,455 to £74,896 a year per annum, pro rataContractFixed termDuration12 monthsWorking patternFull-timeReference number349-RES-7431412-RL4Job locationsManchester University NHS Foundation TrustManchesterM13 9WUJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesTo find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guide that sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form.Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating, and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at resourcing@mft.nhs.uk.Were looking forward to hearing from you! Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesTo find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guide that sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form.Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating, and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at resourcing@mft.nhs.uk.Were looking forward to hearing from you!Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential
  • Clinical/scientific degree at masters level or equivalent demonstrable experience in operational management
  • Evidence of continuing professional development
  • Experience as a R&I Manager or in a similar role
Desirable
  • Experience of clinical or scientific practice
  • PhD
  • Management qualification
Training and ExperienceEssential
  • Experience of working in the NHS in senior research management role
  • Experience of working in a large teaching hospital or University
  • Experience of line management responsibility for staff
Desirable
  • Personal research experience
  • Nursing, midwifery or other clinical or related work experience
  • Commercial research experience
KnowledgeEssential
  • Thorough understanding of the systems and processes which are used to support the delivery of high quality research in a clinical environment
  • An understanding of R&D issues in the NHS
  • Understanding of project management
  • Significant knowledge of research governance and quality assurance systems to ensure safe systems for patients
Desirable
  • NHS/University networks
Skills and AbilitiesEssential
  • Extensive IT and IS skills including Microsoft Office
  • Able to motivate self and others
  • Excellent presentation skills
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal with the ability to communicate with different professions both internal and external
Desirable
  • Experience of delivering training
Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential
  • Clinical/scientific degree at masters level or equivalent demonstrable experience in operational management
  • Evidence of continuing professional development
  • Experience as a R&I Manager or in a similar role
Desirable
  • Experience of clinical or scientific practice
  • PhD
  • Management qualification
Training and ExperienceEssential
  • Experience of working in the NHS in senior research management role
  • Experience of working in a large teaching hospital or University
  • Experience of line management responsibility for staff
Desirable
  • Personal research experience
  • Nursing, midwifery or other clinical or related work experience
  • Commercial research experience
KnowledgeEssential
  • Thorough understanding of the systems and processes which are used to support the delivery of high quality research in a clinical environment
  • An understanding of R&D issues in the NHS
  • Understanding of project management
  • Significant knowledge of research governance and quality assurance systems to ensure safe systems for patients
Desirable
  • NHS/University networks
Skills and AbilitiesEssential
  • Extensive IT and IS skills including Microsoft Office
  • Able to motivate self and others
  • Excellent presentation skills
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal with the ability to communicate with different professions both internal and external
Desirable
  • Experience of delivering training

NHS