University of Exeter - Head of Joint Strategic Partnership Office

NHS Jobs; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Generous annual leave

Pension contributions

Job summary

The University of Exeter seeks a senior leader to head the Joint Partnership Office with the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The role will shape strategy, governance, and operating models for joint research, education and innovation, aligning with NHS workforce and Trust priorities.

You will lead complex partnerships, manage budgets and contracts, and drive transformational change across both organisations, with hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Experience in HE and research-intensive environments.
• Experience working within NHS Research & Development or similar partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Develop a strategy and implementation plan for the Joint Partnership Office.
• Establish and oversee governance and accountability structures across UoE and RDUH.
• Lead on joint models of working to scale translational, commercial and applied health research.
• Manage budgets and contracts across the two organisations.
• Act as a key relationship manager and negotiator between stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Change management

Staff management

Negotiation

Job description

University of Exeter - Head of Joint Strategic Partnership Office

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities. More detail about the role We are seeking to attract a highly skilled and experienced leader to undertake the role of Head of Joint Partnership Office for the University of Exeter (UoE) and Royal Devon University Hospital Trust (RDUH). The RDUH and UoE have a long-standing and successful partnership encompassing research, education and innovation at significant scale and excellence. This post holder will develop an ambitious strategy and implementation plan, to build on and catalyse the power and benefit of joint working. Particular focus will be around the evolution of a Joint Office and joint models of working, to scale and accelerate translational, commercial and applied health research, whilst also responding to the NHS workforce Plan. Establishing and utilising strong governance and accountability structures, the Head of Joint Partnership Office will act as a key leader, negotiator and relationship manager across the two organisations. They will be responsible for agreeing essential objectives, deliverables and KPIs for the joint office and to determine the future working arrangements, including the nature of leadership required at multiple levels, for maximum benefit of both organisations. The role holder will have strong intellectual capacity and reasoning; have proven staff management and leadership experience; a high degree of initiative, responsibility and self-motivation and a professional and proactive approach to problem solving; be a confident decision maker with strategic experience and significant operational delivery experience who can lead through periods of change; have experience of designing processes, systems and services to meet a diverse range of needs and have experience of managing complex budgets and contracts. Relevant experience in an HE and research-intensive environment, such as that gained within NHS Research & Development, is essential. This role will be employed within the University of Exeters Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Nevertheless, the role holder will have joint accountability to RDUH, via the Research & Development Director. Office space will be made available at St Lukes Campus, within the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences as well as nearby at the hospital site. Applications An executive search exercise is being undertaken by the Executive and Specialist Recruitment team at the RDUH who will manage the application process and support the University in identifying the widest possible field of qualified candidates and assist in their assessment against the requirements for the role. Please note that your full application and contact details will therefore be shared with both the University and RDUH throughout the recruitment and selection process. The deadline for the receipt of applications is Sunday 29th November. Selection will take place on Monday 14th (virtual round table discussion) and Tuesday 15th December 2026 (in-person panel interview). Flexible and hybrid working arrangements can be considered. For further information please contact: Emily Simpson, Executive and Specialist Recruitment Lead, [e-mail] or 07958 931414

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive. You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Why our colleagues love working here:

• Flexible working opportunities and leading parental leave initiatives
• Generous annual leave (39-41 days including bank holidays)
• Competitive pension contributions
• A genuine dedication to supporting the health and wellbeing of all colleagues see initiatives here
• Sustainability and the environment being at the heart of what we do