Group Head of Research and Innovation (R&I)

NHS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare group in Greater London is seeking an experienced Group Head of Research & Innovation to lead strategic development and operational delivery of clinical research. This role requires oversight of multidisciplinary teams, adherence to national standards, and management of research budgets. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant degree and significant experience in healthcare research management and policy development. This is a full-time, permanent position with a salary range of £72,921 to £83,362 annually.

Qualifications

• Experience working within a healthcare research environment at a management level.
• Knowledge of clinical research regulation and standards.
• Ability to prepare high-quality reports and presentations for senior audiences.

Responsibilities

• Support and implement the Group's research strategy.
• Ensure regulatory compliance for all research activities.
• Oversee research budgets and monitor financial practices.

Skills

Leadership in multidisciplinary teams

High-quality report writing

Change management

Education

Degree level (BA or BSc Hons)

Postgraduate degree (desirable)

Project Management qualification (desirable)

Job description

Job Summary

St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group (gesh) is seeking an experienced and visionary Group Head of Research & Innovation (R&I) to lead the strategic development and operational delivery of clinical research across one of the London’s largest healthcare groups. Based primarily at the Tooting site, but expected to work flexibly across group sites, this senior leadership role offers the opportunity to shape research governance, drive innovation, and foster partnerships with academia, industry and regulatory bodies. The successful candidate will oversee multidisciplinary teams, manage research budgets and ensure compliance with national standards, while cementing performance. If you are passionate about advancing healthcare through research and ready to make a transformative impact, we would love to hear from you.

Main Duties of the Job

• Strategic Leadership: Support and implement the Group’s research strategy; represent the Trust in external forums; build partnerships with academic and industry stakeholders; ensure Trust-wide high‑level research performance and KPI reporting.
• Operational Oversight: Lead research operations across the Trust; co‑lead the Joint Clinical Research Office; develop and monitor R&I policies and systems.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure regulatory compliance for all research activities; manage study set‑up, approvals and sponsor responsibilities; maintain quality standards and SOPs.
• Financial Management: Oversee research budgets; support grant applications and costings; ensure transparent financial practices across research projects.
• Workforce Development: Promote training, career pathways and inclusive engagement in research; support Principal Investigators and staff development.
• HR & Leadership: Manage R&I operations teams; lead appraisals and resource planning; act as a visible and supportive senior leader across the organisation.
• Communication & Engagement: Foster strong internal and external relationships; deliver presentations; communicate complex issues clearly and professionally.

About Us

St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. The Trust’s sites include St George’s Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary’s Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).

After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education and training of our 17,000‑strong workforce.

Details

Date posted: 12 December 2025

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time, compressed hours

Band: 8b

Salary: £72,921 to £83,362 a year pro‑rated inclusive HCAS (inner London)

Job location: Tooting, SW17 0RE

Person Specification – Education & Qualification (Essential)

• Degree level (BA or BSc Hons) or equivalent experience commensurate with the post
• A scientific background or qualification, preferably postgraduate level and ideally in the life or clinical sciences
• ICH‑GCP certification

Person Specification – Education & Qualification (Desirable)

• Postgraduate degree
• Project Management qualification
• ICH‑GCP accredited facilitator/trainer

Person Specification – Experience and Knowledge (Essential)

• Experience working within a healthcare research environment at a management level
• Knowledge of the national healthcare research strategy
• Experience leading the development of policies and procedures for research, including SOPs
• Knowledge of clinical research regulation, legislation and standards
• Experience of regulatory inspections
• Experience of research finance and funding at a senior level
• Line management experience
• Knowledge of national research agenda

Person Specification – Experience and Knowledge (Desirable)

• Experience working with or at regional and/or national organisations relevant to healthcare
• Experience of developing business plans and strategies for research
• Experience of direct budget management

Person Specification – Skills (Essential)

• Ability to prepare high‑quality written reports and presentations for senior audiences
• Proven skills in leading multidisciplinary teams, managing change and delivering large‑scale research initiatives across healthcare settings

Person Specification – Skills (Desirable)

• Change management skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer Details

Employer: St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Tooting, Blackshaw Road, London, SW17 0RE

Website: https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/