Research Delivery Group (RDG) Operations Director
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust has a significant portfolio of research activity with typically >1,000 research studies recruiting at any one point. The Research Delivery Group is the focal point for much of the acute study work at Leicester Royal Infirmary, supporting 15 core specialties and 63 investigators with a workforce of >30 wte clinical and support staff.
The facility is also part of a federated NIHR Clinical Research Facility and supports the work of one of the themes of the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre.
Research Delivery Group is co-located with the Children’s Clinical Research Facility in Balmoral Building at LRI.
Main Duties of the Job
1. Control all related expenditure.
2. Provide strategic level support in:
1. Co-ordinating information transfers
2. Making applications/responses to maximise internal funding (e.g RDN, RCF) and external grant funding initiatives
3. Provide financial projections for internal and national initiatives when required.
4. Ensure that the most efficient use is made of existing available resources.
5. Manage staff directly employed to fulfill business plans, ensuring performance, attendance, training, and appraisal are addressed in accordance with Trust Policy.
6. Demonstrate compassionate leadership.
7. Promote a culture of continuous quality improvement by recording and learning from mistakes.
8. Provide leadership and management of administrative, technical, and other support staff.
9. Develop and maintain management teams with clear accountability arrangements.
10. Encourage staff development through systematic individual performance reviews.
11. Lead a psychologically safe culture for reporting incidents and learning from complaints.
12. Plan and organise Research Delivery Group services.
About Us
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030). We have four primary goals:
* High-quality care for all,
* Being a great place to work,
* Partnerships for impact,
* Research and education excellence.
We will embed health equality in all we do, taking active steps to reduce avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values:
* We are compassionate,
* We are proud,
* We are inclusive,
* We are one team.
Job Responsibilities
1. Lead the preparation of annual reports for funding agencies, including contractual and statutory reporting to R&I executive, NIHR, and other funders.
2. Ensure effective interaction with Human Resource regarding staffing issues associated with performance, recruitment, and retention of staff.
3. Oversee estate and facilities, ensuring effective use of space and advising on space planning.
4. Support and embed the PPIE and communications strategy that is inclusive.
5. Communicate complex or sensitive information to staff, partners, or commissioners.
6. Manage multiple funding streams effectively, equating to £2.5million per annum.
7. Control all related expenditure to support the research delivery group business plan.
8. Prepare financial and business reports on activities and performance of research space.
9. Manage 35 WTE staff, ensuring adherence to budget and performance targets.
10. Promote a culture of continuous quality improvement.
11. Develop and maintain management teams with clear accountability arrangements.
12. Encourage staff development through systematic individual performance reviews.
13. Plan and organise Research Delivery Group services and facilities.
14. Ensure compliance with research governance frameworks.
15. Develop business plans for the research delivery group reflecting local and national strategy.
16. Use analytical skills to synthesize and interpret complex data.
17. Ensure management protocols and monitoring arrangements are in place.
18. Manage research activity in compliance with standards and targets.
19. Ensure robust clinical governance and complaints recording procedures are in place.
20. Use negotiation and influencing skills to bring about change.
21. Maintain a culture that improves health, safety, and security.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
* University degree or relevant experience.
* Post-graduate research related qualification and continuous professional development.
* Completed and maintained Good Clinical Practice training certificate.
Experience
* Significant experience within an NHS or university setting, with at least 2 years in a role including management of staff, developing/mentoring staff, significant budgetary management, meeting targets, strategic/business planning, and leading service improvements.
* Experience in a research environment, including oversight of academic and clinical trials.
* Facilities development and management experience.
* Experience working with Clinical Trial Units.
Communication and Relationship Skills
* Promotes effective teams and collaboration.
* High level of verbal and written communication skills.
Analytical and Judgement Skills
* Knowledge of research funding bodies.
* Budgetary management experience.
Skills
* Strong knowledge of research methods and good practice guidelines.
* Familiarity with corporate governance requirements.
* Knowledge of accounting processes and financial systems.
* IT skills including data manipulation.
Planning and Organisation Skills
* Able to work calmly under pressure.
* Able to prioritise and manage workload.
* Decisive and organised.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is necessary.
Salary: £62,215 to £72,293 a year/pro rata for part-time hours.
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