Operations Manager- Clinical Research Delivery Centre

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's healthcare provider in Sheffield is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre. The ideal candidate will lead research project operations, ensure compliance, and improve patient outcomes. This role requires strong leadership and problem-solving skills, along with extensive experience in clinical research management. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to advancing healthcare innovation for children and families.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension schemes

Health and wellbeing programmes

Qualifications

• Substantial experience coordinating or managing clinical research studies.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in a research environment.
• Good Clinical Practice training certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate operational delivery of research projects.
• Ensure efficient study setup and delivery.
• Monitor recruitment performance and compliance.

Skills

Leadership skills

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Post Graduate qualification at master's level

Project Management Qualification (e.g., Prince II)

Job description

Go back Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

Operations Manager- Clinical Research Delivery Centre

The closing date is 14 December 2025

Are you passionate about driving innovation in healthcare research? We are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to spearhead the development and operational management of the NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC).

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of cutting-edge research and accelerate healthcare innovation for children and families.

About You

• Strong leadership and operational management experience.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving and organisational skills.
• A passion for research and improving patient outcomes.

At Sheffield Children's, we are committed to advancing research that transforms lives. You'll be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to innovation and excellence.

Main duties of the job

Reporting into the Deputy Director, Clinical Research Delivery Centre some of your responsibilities will include:

• Lead and coordinate the operational delivery of research projects across the centre, ensuring high-quality, impactful studies.
• Ensure efficient study setup and delivery, meeting NIHR and sponsor timelines.
• Plan workload and allocate resources in collaboration with the CRF Nursing Manager and Lead Nurse for R&I.
• Drive participant recruitment to achieve study targets and maintain competitiveness.
• Monitor recruitment performance and compliance with key indicators.
• Oversee feasibility and site selection for commercially sponsored studies, aligning with Trust capabilities and strategic goals.

About us

At Sheffield Children's, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children's Health.

We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise.

We're proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children's as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England -- and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire -- in the latest NHS Staff Survey.

Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values -- Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence -- to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.

As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we're excited to keep building our leadership in children's health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.

We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts -- helping you thrive at work and beyond.

Job responsibilities

For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.

*** This role has been assigned the occupation code 2440 using the CASCOT coding tool. To check the eligibility of this code for sponsorship and right to work please visit - UKVI web address https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes.

Please note: We do not offer visa sponsorship for Band 2 roles.

Diversity Statement

At Sheffield Children's, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyone's success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.

Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager [e-mail]. Together, we're building a workplace where everyone belongs.

#LI-Onsite

Person Specification

Qualification and Training

• Post Graduate qualification at master's level or equivalent knowledge and skills gained through a combination of in-depth experience postgraduate or post registration study, research and/or courses.
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Good Clinical Practice training certification
• Project Management Qualification e.g. Prince II

Experience

• Substantial experience coordinating or managing clinical research studies within a large and complex organisation.
• Experience contributing to or leading strategic initiatives, including the development of business cases, operational plans or funding applications.
• Experience of leading multi-disciplinary teams and allocating resources effectively in a dynamic research environment.
• Experience of contributing to budget management, including monitoring expenditure and ensuring value for money.
• Broad experience of project work and managing projects in a complex multi system environment.

Knowledge and Skills

• In depth understanding of clinical research processes, including study setup, feasibility, governance and delivery.
• Strong working knowledge of NIHR frameworks, performance metrics and funding mechanisms
• Familiarity with commercial research requirements, including sponsor expectations and regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret performance data, identify trends and implement corrective actions.
• Ability to influence and negotiate with internal and external partners, including sponsors and regulatory bodies.
• Proficient in using research management systems, databases and performance monitoring tools.
• Skilled in preparing high-quality reports and presenting findings to senior stakeholders and external bodies.
• Strong ability to lead teams, mentor colleagues, and encourage a collaborative research culture.
• Skills to develop and implement long-term plans aligned with organisational goals.
• Excellent ability to present research findings, write for peer-reviewed journals, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

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.

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust