Research and Innovation Operations Manager

We're looking for an experienced and motivated leader to join us as our Research & Innovation Operations Manager. This is a key role for our Trust-ensuring our research activity runs effectively day to day, while also supporting the continued growth, development and reach of research across our patient population. You'll work closely with our Clinical Research Nurse Manager and Clinical Research Development Lead, overseeing the full research pathway from study set-up and delivery through to the development of new, locally led and commercial research opportunities. You will play a central role in coordinating activity across governance, delivery and support functions, ensuring high-quality, compliant research delivery while maximising opportunities for patients to access research studies. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and strengthen a high-performing research service and make a real difference to patient care through research.Main duties of the job You'll lead the operational running of our Research & Innovation service, ensuring studies are set up efficiently, deliver to target, and meet the standards expected of a high-performing organisation. Alongside this, you'll play a key role in growing our research portfolio-supporting the development of new studies, strengthening locally led research, and expanding our commercial activity. In practice, this includes:

• Leading the Research Support Office and day-to-day operational delivery of the service
• Working with clinical teams to ensure studies are set up efficiently and recruit to time and target
• Partnering with the Clinical Research Development Lead to develop and deliver locally led, grant-funded research
• Supporting growth in the Trust's commercial research portfolio
• Overseeing governance, finance, contracts and performance across the research portfolio
• Working with NIHR and external partners to maximise research opportunities
• Driving continuous service improvement and building a strong, high-performing team, The Research and Innovation Operations Manager provides operational leadership for the Trust's research service, overseeing governance, study set-up, delivery, performance and income recovery. The role is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating research activity across clinical and support services, and maintaining a balanced and deliverable portfolio of commercial and non-commercial studies.
The post-holder leads the Research Support Office, manages workforce capacity and performance, and works collaboratively with clinical and research leads to maximise study delivery, recruitment and income. The role also has oversight of research finance, ensuring robust cost recovery and financial management, and contributes to service improvement, partnerships and strategic development of research across the Trust.

You'll bring experience of working in research or R&D at a senior level, along with a strong understanding of how research operates within the NHS-across both delivery and development. Just as important is how you work. We're looking for someone who:
• Builds strong relationships and works effectively in partnership
• Can lead operationally while maintaining a clear strategic perspective
• Is confident managing complexity and driving continuous improvement
• Is motivated by increasing access to research for patients and staff, First degree in a relevant subject or demonstrable experience
• Management/Leadership qualification or demonstrable experience
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject or demonstrable experience
• Evidence of continuous professional development
Desirable criteria
• Masters degree in relevant subject, Minimum of 5 years experience of research and development; 3 years working at a senior level
• Staff management experience
• Experience of managing budgets
• Significant knowledge of clinical/research governance/national research policy framework
• A firm grasp of both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms
• Full understanding of agenda regarding capability and capacity building regarding research and development
• Experience of analysing and presentation of complex data streams
Desirable criteria
• Extensive knowledge of clinical services/clinical experience
• Experience of change management and continuous improvement
• Project management experience, Proven ability to works independently with minimal supervision, organise own work load in busy work environment and time critical situations
• Experience of producing reports and present information to a wide range of stakeholders
• Ability to communicate complex and sensitive information
• Ability to concentrate on specific and demanding matters, whilst dealing with unplanned interruptions
• Ability to persuade/influence and sustain collaborative working relationships
• Excellent attention to detail combined with time management skills and ability to work to deadlines
Desirable criteria
• Experience of dealing with very senior members of staff, including Directors, Diplomatic and able to engage with people in a positive, encouraging way
• Good motivational, influencing and negotiating skills, with proven experience of success with clinicians, directors and multi-departmental stakeholders
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances
• Appropriately assertive
  
  At East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 600,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area. We employ over 9,500 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work., The Trust is an equal opportunities employer, committed to improving the working lives of our staff and operates a 'Zero Tolerance' policy to aggression, violence, bullying and harassment. In addition, our aim is to help protect children and vulnerable adults by providing a first-class service to the recruitment of people into positions of trust.
We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability or social background. We especially welcome applications from members of our black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, as we have identified that ELHT has an under-representation of BAME employees. Appointments will be made on merit.

It is important you are made aware of the following as regards your application to East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
• Please note that the salary advertised is for full time hours. If this post is less than 37.5 hours per week, the salary will be pro-rata. For posts on Agenda for Change pay-scales, new entrants to the NHS will normally commence on the first pay point of the relevant band.
• This vacancy may close before the closing date if the recruiting manager deems sufficient applications have been received. Therefore it is advised to complete your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
• Please ensure you check the email account from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application.
• Please note that shortlisting is completed anonymously with candidates being assessed against the essential criteria for the post. Therefore only applicants, who can clearly demonstrate how they meet our person specification criteria in their application, will be short-listed.
Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) If the role you are applying for is identified as either controlled or regulated activity as defined in in the Safeguarding vulnerable Groups Act (2006) any offer of employment is provisional upon a satisfactory DBS check being obtained. The healthcare sector is exempted from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. In line with other NHS organisations in the North West Region, the Trust is now passing the charge for undertaking a DBS check on to candidates in the event they are successfully appointed into the post for which they have applied. Candidates can choose whether to pay this over 1-3 months as a deduction from the monthly salary. However, if you are applying for a post as a BANK worker, the payment must be made in full at the time of employment checks. By applying for this vacancy you are agreeing to this undertaking in the event you are successfully appointed. The cost of an Enhanced Disclosure will be £55.38 and for a Standard Disclosure will be £27.38.