Senior Research and Innovation Project Manager

NHS; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent pediatric health organization in the UK is seeking a Senior Research and Innovation Project Manager to lead the development of a shared research approach across children's hospitals. The role involves extensive collaboration with senior clinical leaders and building research capacity. Ideal candidates will have project management qualifications and significant experience in a fast-paced healthcare environment. This position offers a competitive salary and flexible working options.

Qualifications

• Prince2 qualification or equivalent experience in project management.
• Experience of implementing change through a programme approach.
• Experience of working with internal and external stakeholders.
• Twelve months previous work experience in a fast-paced professional environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead developing research capacity across the Trusts.
• Facilitate cross-trust collaboration and sharing of best practice.
• Support grant bid development and management of research resources.
• Advocate for children's research at a national level.

Skills

Excellent leadership skills

Excellent networking and relationship building skills

Excellent communication and facilitation skills

Good influencing skills at executive level

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Evidence of continuous professional development

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking to recruit a Senior Research and Innovation Project Manager to lead on developing a shared approach to research across 11 children’s hospitals for the Children’s Hospital Alliance. The role offers an excellent opportunity for a research manager interested in working at national scale to strengthen research collaborations and build capability in paediatrics. The post holder will work with senior researchers, Trust leaders from a wide range of organisations and specialties, and engage with national organisations and research councils. The position is part of a small, close‑knit PMO team in the Children’s Hospital Alliance and is based within the well‑established research community at Alder Hey. Geographically the role is flexible, covering the whole country.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The role will be hosted by Alder Hey and will work with Directors of Research and Innovation and individual researchers across the 11 Trusts. The Project Manager will lead work in five main areas:

• Developing research capacity across the Trusts
• Developing collaborative research opportunities
• Acting on priority setting for research in paediatrics, including with patients
• Advocating for children’s research at a national level
• Informing the development of a Secure Data Environment

Additional responsibilities include:

• Facilitating cross‑trust collaboration and sharing of best practice
• Supporting grant bid development and management of research resources
• Advocacy work with NIHR and similar bodies
• Supporting the creation of a secure data environment to advance research into rare diseases and childhood illness prevention

Employer

Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust – Alder Hey Children’s NHS FT, Eaton Road, Liverpool, L12 2AP

Job Details

• Reference number: 411‑RES‑25‑7573597
• Date posted: 19 November 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 7
• Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per annum
• Contract: Fixed term, 16 months
• Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time, Flexible working, Home or remote working, Compressed hours

Person Specification

Education & Training (Essential)

• Degree or equivalent experience
• Evidence of continuous professional development

Desirable

• MSP Foundation Level

Experience (Essential)

• Prince2 qualification or equivalent experience in project management
• Experience of implementing change through a programme approach
• Experience of working with internal and external stakeholders
• Experience of working with Senior Clinical Leaders and understanding of healthcare processes
• Twelve months previous work experience in a fast‑paced professional environment
• Experience of working within research governance arrangements
• Experience of working with research teams
• Experience of working with large‑scale change projects

Desirable

• Experience of leading workshops and sessions with a wide range of stakeholders
• Proficiency with office systems and computers

Knowledge (Essential)

• Knowledge of computer packages such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams

Desirable

• Knowledge of other project management systems

Skills (Essential)

• Excellent leadership skills
• Excellent networking and relationship building skills
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills
• Good influencing skills at executive level

Desirable

• Proficiency with office systems and computers

Other

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: Submission to DBS required as per Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Certificate of Sponsorship: Skilled worker sponsorship available upon application. Employer’s website: https://alderhey.nhs.uk/.