Group Head of Research and Innovation (R&I) | St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

st georges nhs trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Greater London is seeking a Group Head of Research & Innovation to lead and manage clinical research initiatives. This role requires expertise in research governance, financial management, and strategic development. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and fostering partnerships with academia and industry stakeholders. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in advancing healthcare through innovative research practices and overseeing multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior leadership role within a healthcare setting.
• Proven track record in overseeing clinical research initiatives.
• Strong understanding of research governance and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of clinical research across the Trust.
• Ensure compliance with research governance and regulatory frameworks.
• Oversee research budgets and manage financial practices.

Skills

Leadership skills

Research governance knowledge

Communication skills

Financial management

Education

Relevant advanced degree

Job description

Group Head of Research & Innovation

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 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’re passionate about advancing healthcare through research and ready to make a transformative impact, we’d love to hear from you.

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. Our 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.

Strategic Leadership

Support and implement the Group’s research strategy; represent mesh in external forums; build partnerships with academic and industry stakeholders. Ensure mesh 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.
• Provide senior operational leadership across all R&I functions.
• Co‑lead the Joint Clinical Research Office (JCRO) with City St George’s University of London.
• Develop and implement systems and policies to support high‑quality research delivery.

Research Governance & Compliance

• Ensure regulatory compliance for all research activities; manage study set‑up, approvals, and sponsor responsibilities; maintain quality standards and SOPs.
• Serve as sponsor representative for research governance across the Group.
• Ensure compliance with ICH‑GCP, HRA, MHRA, and other regulatory frameworks.
• Lead the development and implementation of SOPs and assurance frameworks.
• Provide expert advice on ethics, regulatory submissions, and contracting.

Financial Management

• Oversee research budgets; support grant applications and costings; ensure transparent financial practices across research projects.
• Act as budget manager for research funding, ensuring contractual compliance.
• Partner with finance teams to monitor and report on research income and expenditure.
• Support financial planning and reporting for research.

Workforce Development & Engagement

• Promote training, career pathways, and inclusive engagement in research; support Principal Investigators and staff development.
• Drive development of research workforce, including training and career pathways.
• Promote inclusive access to research for staff and patients.
• Support researchers and teams in meeting governance and legal requirements.
• Lead staff engagement initiatives and training programmes.

Human Resources & Leadership

• Manage R&I Ops teams; lead appraisals and resource planning; act as a visible and supportive senior leader across the organisation.
• Line manage senior R&I staff, overseeing appraisals, performance, and development.
• Act as a visible leader and role model across the organisation.

Communication & Engagement

• Foster strong internal and external relationships; deliver presentations; communicate complex issues clearly and professionally.
• Establish strong communication channels within the department and across the Trust.
• Deliver presentations and reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead on communicating complex or sensitive issues with clarity and professionalism.
• Foster an open and inclusive environment that encourages dialogue and collaboration.

This advert closes on Sunday 4 Jan 2026