Research Operational Lead | Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A major NHS Trust in England is seeking a Research Operational Lead to manage grant activity and support the strategic development of research initiatives. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure efficient research delivery and enhance community engagement. The ideal candidate will have a background in healthcare project management and a passion for improving patient outcomes through research.

Qualifications

• Experience in grant management and operational leadership.
• Ability to collaborate with clinical and academic partners.
• Strong strategic development skills in a healthcare context.

Responsibilities

• Lead the grant activity across MFT and related studies.
• Oversee operational delivery teams for project approvals.
• Troubleshoot delivery issues in collaboration with colleagues.

Job description

Overview

We are looking to recruit a Research Operational Lead (ROL) for 1 year to cover maternity leave of the current post-holder. The post-holder will join our research operational team working alongside a Research Operational Lead with the management of the Senior Research Operational Managers (SROMs) across Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), primarily to support and develop areas of strategic importance in the current climate. The role will take lead responsibility for the grant activity across MFT and associated studies and will be the Operational Lead of the new Childrens Health Research Institute. Our aim is to align our Research ambitions to the highly specialist clinical services that we offer across MFT and to further engage with our local community and offer research opportunities to all. We are looking for an ambitious senior manager who can make an impact for the benefit of our patients by working with colleagues across the Greater Manchester Ecosystem.

The Trust is committed to working together to improve the health and quality of life of our diverse communities. One of the five pillars of the MFT strategy is to deliver world class research and innovation that improves peoples lives. The Trust is highly committed to embedding research and innovation into its core business and to be able to offer patients the potential to be recruited to appropriate research studies (as per the NHS Constitution).

Responsibilities

• Lead the grant activity across MFT and associated studies and act as Operational Lead of the Childrens Health Research Institute.
• Support and develop areas of strategic importance and contribute to delivery against national metrics for sponsored and hosted studies.
• Oversee the research operational delivery teams for grant applications, project approvals, and financial management to build capacity for research delivery.
• Troubleshoot issues across MFT in collaboration with appropriate colleagues to ensure efficient delivery of research for patients.
• Work with internal stakeholders including the Research Office, NIHR infrastructure colleagues, clinical services, Clinical Group senior leadership, and external partners such as the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, contract research organisations, and commercial companies.

Requirements / Qualifications

Please refer to the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the ‘Supporting Documents’ heading for the essential and desirable knowledge and skills required for this post. The Candidate Essentials Guide provides additional information about the Trust, our benefits, and how we care for you as you care for others.

Organisation and culture

MFT is one of the largest NHS Trusts in England with a turnover of over £3bn. We bring together 10 hospitals and community services across Manchester, Trafford and beyond, and we champion collaborative working and transformation. We offer scalable opportunities across a digitally enabled organisation, including the Hive Electronic Patient Record system launched in September 2022, and we are developing a Green Plan to promote sustainability.

Diversity and inclusion

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at [e-mail].

How to apply and closing date

This advert closes on Thursday 18 Sep 2025.