Research and Development Manager

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is entering an important new phase in the development of its research infrastructure. We are seeking an outstanding R&D Manager to play a key leadership role within our growing Department of Clinical Research.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape how research is delivered across the Trust. You will support high quality, innovative research that improves patient outcomes, advances clinical knowledge, and strengthens Somerset's reputation for research excellence at regional and national level.

As R&D Manager, you will provide senior operational leadership across a diverse research portfolio. This includes hosted and Trust sponsored studies, commercial and noncommercial research, investigator-led projects, and increasingly complex interventional trials. Working closely with the Head of Research, senior clinicians, executive colleagues, investigators, and external partners, you will lead the operational delivery, governance, and continuous improvement of the Trust's research function.

This role is ideal for an experienced research leader who thrives in complexity, values high standards, and is motivated by the opportunity to influence research delivery at organisational level.

The R&D Manager is responsible for the operational leadership, performance, governance and continuous development of the Department of Clinical Research across the Trust. The post holder provides strategic operational oversight of both hosted and Trust-sponsored research, ensuring the Trust has robust systems, workforce, governance arrangements and infrastructure in place to deliver high-quality research safely, compliantly and sustainably.

The post holder will also ensure there are responsive and pragmatic systems and processes in place to enable swift set up of all research studies in compliance with national metrics. The post holder will work closely with the Senior Research Leadership Team to deliver the Trusts strategic research aims and will develop and lead service improvement initiatives in support of these.

The postholder will work closely with NIHR Research Delivery Network colleagues, other NIHR colleagues e.g. Research Support Service colleagues, other partner organisations R&D staff, Primary Care colleagues and Somerset ICB partners for patient and participant benefit.

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card
, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce
, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty
, and breathtaking coastlines
, with vibrant cities like Bristol
, Bath
, and Exeter just a short drive away – and only two hours to London
.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities
, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all – the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Please see attached Job Description & Person Specification for further details of duties and responsibilities.

• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Specialist knowledge of research management and governance standards gained through practical experience
• Knowledge of national systems and structures for the approval, management and monitoring of clinical research in the NHS
• Clear understanding of NHS R&D policy and strategy

• Practical experience of project…