University Head of Joint Strategic Partnership Office; Health and Life Sciences

This full-time post is available from 1st January 2027 on a permanent basis and offers the opportunity for some hybrid working, with some time working on site (either University campus or NHS premises) and some time working from home. The expectation is that you will spend the majority of your working week on site.

The starting salary will be from £67,144 up to £84,594 per annum pro rata on grade H, based on knowledge, skills and experience.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

We are seeking to attract a highly skilled and experienced leader to undertake the role of Head of Joint Partnership Office for the University of Exeter (UoE) and Royal Devon University Hospital Trust (RDUH). The RDUH and UoE have a long-standing and successful partnership encompassing research, education and innovation at significant scale and excellence. This post holder will develop an ambitious strategy and implementation plan, to build on and catalise the power and benefit of joint working.

Particular focus will be around the evolution of a Joint Office and joint models of working, to scale and accelerate translational, commercial and applied health research, whilst also responding to the NHS workforce Plan.

Establishing and utilising strong governance and accountability structures, the Head of Joint Partnership Office will act as a key leader, negotiator and relationship manager across the two organisations. They will be responsible for agreeing essential objectives, deliverables and KPIs for the joint office and to determine the future working arrangements, including the nature of leadership required at multiple levels, for maximum benefit of both organisations.

The role holder will have strong intellectual capacity and reasoning; have proven staff management and leadership experience; a high degree of initiative, responsibility and self-motivation and a professional and proactive approach to problem solving; be a confident decision maker with strategic experience and significant operational delivery experience who can lead through periods of change; have experience of designing processes, systems and services to meet a diverse range of needs and have experience of managing complex budgets and contracts.

Relevant experience in an HE and research-intensive environment, such as that gained within NHS Research & Development, is essential.

This role will be employed within the University of Exeter’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Nevertheless, the role holder will have joint accountability to RDUH, via the Research & Development Director. Office space will be made available at St Lukes Campus, within the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences as well as nearby at the hospital site.

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…