NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network; RRDN) Director

Position: NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) Director
Job summary

The NIHR East of England Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) Director is a senior, high-impact leadership role. As East of England (EoE) RRDN Network Director, you will provide strategic direction, operational oversight and system-wide leadership to enable the effective delivery of high-quality research that benefits patients, the public and the wider health and care system. You will shape regional strategy, influence national priorities as a member of the NIHR RDN Board, and lead major programmes of work that strengthen research capability and capacity across diverse settings.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced, visionary leader who thrives in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. You will bring a deep understanding of research, the NHS and the wider health and care system, alongside proven executive-level experience in strategic leadership, change management and cross-organisational collaboration. If you are motivated by improving outcomes, tackling health inequalities and supporting innovation across the life sciences and health research landscape, this role offers a rare platform to make a national impact.

Closing date: 27 September 2026

Interview date: 11 November 2026

Main duties of the jobAs EoE RRDN Network Director, you will lead the establishment, delivery and performance of the East of England Regional Research Delivery Network. This includes overseeing strategic planning, operational management and business planning, ensuring effective governance, driving continuous improvement, and championing the involvement of patients, carers and the public in research. You will manage a senior leadership team, provide expert guidance on research delivery, and oversee a significant annual budget to ensure value for money and high-quality services.

You will also build strong relationships with NHS organisations, Integrated Care Systems, NIHR partners, universities, local authorities and the life sciences industry to maximise research impact and opportunity.

We are seeking a strategic, politically astute leader with outstanding communication, negotiation and stakeholder-engagement skills. You will need extensive experience of leading complex programmes, managing large budgets and interpreting national policy into deliverable regional priorities. Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities are essential, along with integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and the ability to inspire teams. A Master's degree and executive-level leadership experience are required.

About us The EoE RRDN Network is hosted by the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Join us and be part of a workforce of over 10,000 staff!

We are one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, providing first-class acute care for around one million people, living in Norfolk and surrounding areas. We are a teaching and research hospital, at the forefront of innovation, home to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Quadram Institute. We are pleased to work closely with the University of East Anglia, providing teaching opportunities for our staff and placement opportunities for their students.

We attract some of the best and leading professionals from across the country and are proud that our workforce represents 94 countries from across the world.

We are a friendly, collaborative hospital, working with local services and home to N&N Hospitals Charity.

We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition:

Flexible working hours

Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service Multi Faith prayer room at NNUH Colney Lane site Discounted gym memberships

Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement

Wagestream - access up to 40% of your pay as you earn itFree Park & Ride service direct to NNUH Colney Lane site

Free 24-hours confidential counselling support

On-site Nursery at NNUH Colney Lane On-site cafes offering staff discounts at NNUH Colney Lane Support in career development

Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars, Cycle to Work scheme and home electronics

Details

Date posted
08 September 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

BandBand 9

Salary
112,782 to 129,783 a year

per annum (pro rata)

Contract Permanent Working  pattern

Full-time,

Part-time

Reference number
234-25-K1843-RRDN-AJob locations
20 Rouen RoadNorwichNR1 1QQ
United Kingdom Job description

Job responsibilities

For full details of duties and responsibilities as part of this role, please view the

Job Description and person specification.

STRATEGIC…