NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) Director: Sponsorship Available

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

Job summary

The NIHR East of England Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) Director is a senior, high-impact leadership role. As East of England (EoE) RRDN Network Director, you will provide strategic direction, operational oversight and system-wide leadership to enable the effective delivery of high-quality research that benefits patients, the public and the wider health and care system. You will shape regional strategy, influence national priorities as a member of the NIHR RDN Board, and lead major programmes of work that strengthen research capability and capacity across diverse settings.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced, visionary leader who thrives in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. You will bring a deep understanding of research, the NHS and the wider health and care system, alongside proven executive-level experience in strategic leadership, change management and cross-organisational collaboration. If you are motivated by improving outcomes, tackling health inequalities and supporting innovation across the life sciences and health research landscape, this role offers a rare platform to make a national impact.

Closing date: 27 September 2026

Interview date: 11 November 2026

Main duties of the job

As EoE RRDN Network Director, you will lead the establishment, delivery and performance of the East of England Regional Research Delivery Network. This includes overseeing strategic planning, operational management and business planning, ensuring effective governance, driving continuous improvement, and championing the involvement of patients, carers and the public in research. You will manage a senior leadership team, provide expert guidance on research delivery, and oversee a significant annual budget to ensure value for money and high-quality services. You will also build strong relationships with NHS organisations, Integrated Care Systems, NIHR partners, universities, local authorities and the life sciences industry to maximise research impact and opportunity.

We are seeking a strategic, politically astute leader with outstanding communication, negotiation and stakeholder-engagement skills. You will need extensive experience of leading complex programmes, managing large budgets and interpreting national policy into deliverable regional priorities. Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities are essential, along with integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and the ability to inspire teams. A Master’s degree and executive-level leadership experience are required.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

  • Masters level qualification or equivalent
  • Executive level management qualification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Professional research leadership, both strategic and operational at a senior level
  • Proven senior level experience of leading and delivering complex change and strategy development programmes in a politically sensitive and complex environment

Desirable

  • Understanding of governance and legislative framework for clinical research in the NHS

Value and Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Demonstrates honesty and integrity and promotes organisational values

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Closing Date: 27 September 2026

To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.