Life Science Key Account Manager

Job summaryJoin the NIHR in a pivotal senior leadership role designed to be the primary conduit for commercial partners. You will act as a single point of access for industry leaders, helping them explore their pipelines, plan effectively, and facilitate the delivery of high-impact clinical research across the UK. Hosted by the NIHR Research Delivery Network, you will bridge the gap between life sciences companies and the wider clinical research ecosystem, ensuring the UK remains a premier destination for commercial trial delivery. We are looking for a visionary leader with deep specialist knowledge of the NHS and R&D systems, and the life sciences industry. You should have a proven track record of managing senior stakeholder relationships and the ability to navigate complex matrix management structures. Requires a blend of strategic thinking, relationship management, robust analytical skills, and the ability to inspire a national research delivery workforce to perform to the highest
standards. Your work directly contributes to the health of the nation and the strength of the economy. You will be part of a collaborative culture that values equality, diversity, and continuous improvement. This role offers the unique opportunity to represent the UK on an international stage, involving national and international travel, while forming part of a national portfolio management function that shapes the future of healthcare.Main duties of the jobAs a Life Science Key Account Manager, you will serve as the primary strategic lead for our commercial partners, acting as their single gateway to the NIHR's extensive research infrastructure. Your day-to-day will involve translating complex pipeline needs into actionable research plans, leveraging business intelligence to drive commercial growth, and troubleshooting performance across the national portfolio. Success in this role demands a unique combination of commercial acumen, expert negotiation skills, and strategic stakeholder
management. We are looking for an adaptive, visionary leader who can navigate complex matrix structures while championing an inclusive, "One NIHR" culture to ensure we deliver high-impact research for the benefit of the UK.About usThe Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is one of the largest NHS trusts in the West Midlands providing primary, acute and community services and we are incredibly proud of the diversity of both our staff and the communities we serve. We are building a workforce that can help us to fulfil our values, improve the quality of care for patients, and solve the health care problems of tomorrow. We're passionate about the value that diversity of thinking and lived experience brings in enabling us to become a learning organisation and leader in delivering compassionate care for our patients.We are delighted that we have been rated as "Good" by CQC. We have achieved numerous awards; The Nursing Times Best Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Best UK Employer of
the Year for Nursing Staff in 2020.The Trust is a supportive working environment committed to creating flexible working arrangements that suit your needs and as such will consider all requests from applicants who wish to work flexibly.DetailsDate posted09 November 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 8bSalary
66,582 to 77,368 a year, Job responsibilitiesAs a Life Science Key Account Manager, you will serve as the primary strategic lead for our commercial partners, acting as their single gateway to the NIHRs extensive research infrastructure. Your day-to-day will involve translating complex pipeline needs into actionable research plans, leveraging business intelligence to drive commercial growth, and troubleshooting performance across the national portfolio. Success in this role demands a unique combination of commercial acumen, expert negotiation skills, and strategic stakeholder management. We are looking for an adaptive, visionary leader who can navigate complex matrix structures while championing an inclusive, "One NIHR" culture to ensure we deliver high-impact research for the benefit of the UK.Person Specification

EssentialMasters level qualification or equivalent experienceDesirable"Research management and administration including governance, sponsorship, costings, contracts, finance and clinical trial agreements"

Experience/Skills

EssentialSignificant specialist knowledge of the NHS, R&D systems and the context of the importance of the life sciences in this context

Communication Skills

Essential"Experience at dealing with very senior people both internally and externally e.g operational management "

Experience/Skills

Essential"Ability to plan, manage and deliver projects and activities, involving multiple agencies and individuals to tight deadlines"
Person Specification

Qualifications

EssentialMasters level qualification or equivalent experienceDesirable"Research management and administration including governance, sponsorship, costings, contracts, finance and clinical trial agreements"

Experience/Skills

EssentialSignificant specialist knowledge of the NHS, R&D systems and the context of the importance of the life sciences in this context

Communication Skills

Essential"Experience at dealing with very senior people both internally and externally e.g operational management "