Study Support Service Manager

Study Support Service Manager

The closing date is 19 January 2026

The Study Support Service Manager will assume a key leadership position in the Regional RDN (RRDN) Study Support Service, which will be seamlessly integrated within the collective national Study Support Service, which serves as the cornerstone of the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN), facilitating the effective delivery of studies throughout the system while enhancing strategic capacity and capability.

For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state‑of‑the‑art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world‑class care to our local communities.

It’s never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you’ll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

More detail about the role

The role will be entrusted with the delivery of critical services across a defined portfolio of specialties and settings. These encompass pre‑approval services such as Planning and Placement Service/national cost and attribution tools, as well as post‑approval services including portfolio oversight and on‑request services. Central to the role is the cultivation of a robust knowledge base within the assigned portfolio area, achieved through the establishment of communities of practice with relevant study and site delivery teams.

By facilitating the exchange of best practices, the post‑holder will ensure optimal study performance as required. The role will also work in collaboration with Regional Specialty and Setting Leads, actively engaging in regional and national improvement projects, aligning efforts with strategic objectives, and fostering continuous improvement (CI) across the network.

The team offers a positive and developmental environment as well as being involved first hand in some of the most exciting innovative work health and care services have to offer. If you are looking for an interesting role which gives you the ability to work with research partners across the health and care system with a passion for research we are keen to hear from you.

The contractual base can be either Truro, Plymouth, Exeter or Taunton, with regular travel to local and regional offices required.

For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week

Interview Date: To be confirmed

For further information please contact: Max Hough, NIHR RDN Support Service Senior Manager

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…