BRC Chief Operating Officer

NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 74,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The NHS seeks a Chief Operating Officer for the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, responsible for strategic oversight and operational leadership. This role involves collaboration with the BRC Director and managing a diverse team to ensure effective research operations and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience in operational leadership within healthcare or research settings.
• Strong strategic planning and management skills.
• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and operational leadership across the BRC's research portfolio.
• Lead operational delivery, ensuring progress against objectives, timelines, and budgets.
• Manage governance, finance, and reporting, ensuring compliance with NIHR and regulatory standards.

Skills

Problem-solving

Relationship-building

Leadership

Education

Relevant postgraduate degree

Job description

Job summary

We're seeking a strategic and dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join the leadership team at the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), a partnership between University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) and the University of Bristol.

This role offers a unique opportunity to support innovative health research in the UK, focusing on early-stage, translational, and experimental medicine research aimed at improving health outcomes locally and nationally.

As COO, you will collaborate closely with the BRC Director, overseeing the daily operations of the Centre. Your responsibilities will include ensuring the smooth functioning of research themes and programmes, and delivering on strategic goals, partnerships, and funder commitments.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, relationship-building, and working at the intersection of healthcare and academia.

Main duties of the job

1. Provide strategic oversight and operational leadership across the BRC's research portfolio.
2. Lead operational delivery, ensuring progress against objectives, timelines, and budgets.
3. Manage governance, finance, and reporting, ensuring compliance with NIHR and regulatory standards.
4. Collaborate with the BRC Director on strategic planning and preparations for future funding applications.
5. Manage a diverse team supporting research, training, inclusion, industry engagement, and public involvement.
6. Support stakeholder engagement with NIHR, NHS, academic partners, and industry collaborators.
7. Promote inclusion, training, and public involvement across all activities.

This role demands cross-organisational leadership, national engagement, and a focus on impactful research.

About us

UHBW is one of the UK's largest acute Trusts, with over 13,000 staff across 10 sites, serving a population of over 500,000. Rated 'Good' by the CQC, UHBW is committed to innovation and excellence in patient care and research. Our hospitals in Bristol and Weston offer vibrant city and seaside environments, respectively. We are dedicated to diversity and safeguarding, aiming to reflect the community we serve.

Details

Date posted: 21 May 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 8c

Salary: £74,290 to £85,601 per annum, pro rata

Contract: Permanent

Pattern: Full-time

Location: Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN

Job responsibilities

For detailed responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description document.

The NIHR Bristol BRC is a partnership between UHBW NHS Trust and the University of Bristol. You will have a substantive contract within UHBW's R&D team but will work closely with university colleagues, based in the Population Health Sciences department of Bristol Medical School, a leader in collaborative health research.