NIHR RDN Life Sciences Director (MHNCC1549)

The University of Leeds has been chosen by the UK government to lead the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Delivery Network Coordinating Centre, and will be joined by 12 new Regional Delivery Networks, hosted by NHS organisations across the country to form the NIHR Research Delivery Network. The new NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) will operate as one unified organisation across England, balancing regional context, expertise and leadership with national coordination and strategy involving government policymakers.

As part of the RDN national leadership team, this high-profile national role will provide visible, dynamic and effective senior leadership, direction and oversight for business development and marketing of NIHR services. 

You will develop and deliver strategies to promote the NIHR as a preferred global site for undertaking commercial and non-commercial research in health, public health and social care, and to ensure repeat business. You will work closely with all parts of the RDN to ensure that it meets the research delivery needs of customers, and will develop and maintain excellent strategic engagement with research funders and life sciences companies, including through a network of key account managers. 

You will work alongside the other directors as a high performing team to lead the organisation-wide shift in ways of working and culture that is required to ensure the network functions as a single organisation with a shared purpose and vision across England, as well as leading your own Directorate team through the period of transformation and beyond. You will be the face of the organisation to commercial companies and other stakeholders and will use your credibility and influence to alter the way the network is perceived. 

This role requires exceptional strategic and operational knowledge and experience of the life sciences industry and non-commercial research. The RDN is a multifaceted, diverse and ambitious organisation, and you will be able to provide credible leadership across organisational boundaries and be comfortable working out with conventional management hierarchies. Working with health and care organisations, staff and professional groups, you will have presence and will be able to demonstrate inspirational leadership and influence in a host of settings. With the ability to think strategically and grasp complex policy and political issues, you will have a strong understanding of health and care research delivery policy and practice, and of the opportunities and challenges in maximising health and care research for the benefit of patients and the public.

This national role requires substantial national travel and some international travel.

Applications for this role should be made online (more guidance can be found on our ‘How to Apply’ information page) and submitted by 23.59 (UK time) on the advertised closing date. 

Your application should include:

A statement addressing each of the essential requirements for the role in turn. Please make sure to address both each of the ‘essential requirements for all director roles’ and each of the 'additional essential requirements for this role'. You should evidence how you believe your existing knowledge, skills and experience equips you to carry out the role;Your curriculum vitae giving full details of qualifications and experience.

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 salaryHealth 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, and self-development courses including languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies and much more.Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

Closing Date: 18 Mar 2024

Section: Professional & Managerial

Salary: Competitive salary