Head of Strategy Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement (MHNCC1716)

Do you want to be part of a national network supporting the delivery of health and care research across England? Are you a strong leader? Do you have a track record of delivery?

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Delivery Network (RDN) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), to enable the health and care system to attract, optimise and deliver research across England. We do this as part of NIHR’s overall mission to improve the health and the wealth of the nation through research.  The RDN covers the whole of England and consists of 12 Regional Research Delivery Networks (RRDNs) and a Coordinating Centre (RDNCC), working together as one. 

The University of Leeds has been chosen by the UK government to lead the RDNCC, and we are seeking an experienced senior leader to head up our Strategy Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement function. 

The individual will work in partnership with colleagues from across the RRDNs to monitor the delivery of the RDN Strategic Plan and deliver projects relevant to the plan.  They will oversee the stakeholder engagement required to ensure the plan remains relevant to the health and care system, undertake operational planning and set the overall standards and direction for the Strategy Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement function within the Strategic Development Directorate.  

You will be a proven leader with a track record of delivery, and will have specialist expertise, knowledge and professional credibility in delivery of health or care research.  You will have demonstrable experience in working across multiple national stakeholder groups and demonstrable experience of monitoring, and reporting on, the impact of strategic plans or projects and developing action plans in response.  

This role will be based in the RDNCC office on Queen Street, Leeds. We work in a hybrid way with an expectation that all RDNCC staff spend at least 40% of their time office. We are also open to discussing other flexible working arrangements. 

Substantial national travel (including overnight stays) will be required. 

What we offer in return:

26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!

Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary. 

Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.

Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.

All Faculty of Medicine and Health staff are entitled to ten days staff development per year (pro rata). Please speak to your line manager about how you can utilise these.

Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

If you are looking for a role that will provide you with an opportunity to expertly implement a strategic plan, and to work alongside enthusiastic and supportive colleagues, apply today.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Tracy Harman, Deputy Director of Strategic Development 

Email: t.e.harman@leeds.ac.uk 

Application process

As part of the RDNCC’s commitment to inclusion and equity of opportunity, our shortlisting stage is undertaken with names removed from job applications. Please do not include identifiable information in uploaded documents, file names or free text fields (e.g., names, photos, contact details) other than those specifically requested in the personal details section of the application form.

Closing Date: 01 Apr 2026

Section: Professional & Managerial

Salary: £61,759 to £73,708 p.a.