Research Contracts and Funding Manager

Research Contracts and Funding Manager

Closing date: 04 January 2026

We're seeking a dynamic and experienced R&I Contracts and Funding Manager to join our Group Corporate Research & Innovation Directorate at St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group. In this pivotal role, you'll lead the negotiation and management of research contracts and funding streams, enabling groundbreaking clinical trials and collaborative projects. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, have a strong grasp of research governance and legal frameworks, and are passionate about supporting innovation across the NHS, we'd love to hear from you.

• Draft, negotiate and manage research agreements (MTAs, DTAs, CDAs, SLAs, multi‑partner collaborations), ensuring compliance with NHS, legal and funder requirements.
• Identify funding opportunities, maintain contract templates and manage financial reporting for grants.
• Develop and implement SOPs and digital systems for tracking contract performance and timeliness.
• Provide expert advice on contractual and governance matters, lead training initiatives, support strategic research programmes and foster collaboration with stakeholders.
• Line‑manage an R&I Contracts and Funding Officer, ensuring systems and processes are in place to apply for research funding calls and increase research income.

St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area;
St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC). After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education and training of our 17,000‑strong workforce.

At GESH we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.

• Draft, review, negotiate and execute research agreements including MTAs, DTAs, CDAs, SLAs and multi‑partner collaborations.
• Ensure all contracts comply with NHS policies, legal frameworks and funder requirements.
• Lead quality control processes for research agreements prior to execution.
• Advise on contractual strategy, governance and risk to clinical, academic and executive colleagues.

• Oversee grant submissions and ensure accurate financial terms are included in contracts.
• Identify strategic funding opportunities and support innovation across the research portfolio.
• Serve as project manager for large‑scale or strategic research programmes hosted by the Trust.

• Line‑manage the R&I Contracts and Funding Officer, fostering a high‑performance culture.
• Provide training and professional development to direct reports and researchers.
• Lead thematic innovation initiatives and cultivate new partnerships.

• Develop and implement SOPs and work instructions for research contracting and funding.
• Maintain a Trust‑wide electronic register of contractual documentation.
• Lead optimisations of digital systems for tracking contract timelines, deliverables and compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement in contract‑related workflows to meet strategic targets.

• Represent the Trust in high‑level negotiations with sponsors, funders and partner institutions.
• Translate complex contractual and financial information into actionable insights for stakeholders.
• Promote collaboration across NHS, academic and industry partners.
• Ensure high‑quality reporting to funders and senior leadership.

• University degree (or equivalent).
• A scientific…