Group Head of Research and Development
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Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust Group Head of Research and Development
The closing date is 17 November 2026
Job summary
In conjunction with the Directors of Research and Development for Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and Dudley Group Foundation Trust the post holder will provide strategic and operational leadership and management for the Research & Development (R&D) portfolio across the Group, aligning practices and creating a seamless service.
Main duties of the job
As Group Head of R&D the post holder will be key to the development and implementation of groupwide R&D strategy and business plans and ensuring that performance targets and overarching strategic objectives are met.
They will work collaboratively with key partnersand represent the Trust in external stakeholder forums to facilitate, promote and increase recruitment to research trials and take forward the Group's research agenda.
About us
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust (SWB) serves Birmingham and the Black Country - one of the country's most culturally diverse areas. It's a friendly and welcoming place - a place where you can belong, and a place where you can grow.
We care for our patients, we care about our population, and we care about our people.
Our values - Ambition, Respect and Compassion - are at the heart of who we are. They guide us every step of the way; how we work with each other, and how we look after our patients and their families; how we respect and value the rich diversity of our team and our community.
Our Trust has always aspired to be more than a hospital, more than a healthcare provider. Our purpose is to "Improve the Life Chances and Health Outcomes of our Population." It is what inspires, drives, and unites us every day. It's what makes us unique.
We want working at SWB to feel like more than just a job. We want our Trust to be a place where you can feel you belong. A place where you feel happy, safe, and rewarded. A place where you can develop your career in whatever way you choose. When we say we're 'with you all the way' we want you to know that we mean it. Visit the SWB website to find out more about our ambitions and people plans.
Details
Date posted
30 October 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8c
Salary
£79,504 to £91,609 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
381-CO-8089035
Job locations
Midland Metropolitan University Hospital
Birmingham
B66 2QT
United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Group Head of R&D will ensure the management and administration of the R&D portfolio is effective, efficient, delivered within agreed parameters and complies with regulatory and quality standards. They will use research study data and robust governance processes to provide board level assurance on research activity.
The postholder will have management oversight of R&D budgets (income, pay and non-pay). They will ensure that all research activity is fully costed, appropriate contracts are in place with partner organisations and terms and conditions of funding agreements and contracts are fulfilled.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of the role.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Group Head of R&D will ensure the management and administration of the R&D portfolio is effective, efficient, delivered within agreed parameters and complies with regulatory and quality standards. They will use research study data and robust governance processes to provide board level assurance on research activity.
The postholder will have management oversight of R&D budgets (income, pay and non-pay). They will ensure that all research activity is fully costed, appropriate contracts are in place with partner organisations and terms and conditions of funding agreements and contracts are fulfilled.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of the role.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Leadership and management training qualification at degree level or above
- Masters level qualification, or equivalent research related experience
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of developing and implementing successful research strategies
- Proven record of consistent delivery against targets for both commercial and non-commercial research
- Research contract negotiation/management experience
Knowledge
Essential
- Specialist knowledge of the governance and legislative frameworks for conducting clinical research studies
- Detailed knowledge of the national NHS R&D Strategy and funding streams
- Specialist knowledge of current local, regional and national policies relating to clinical research activity in the NHS
Management
Essential
- NHS experience in a senior management position
- Research management experience at a senior level
- Able to lead, manage, train and develop staff
- Budget management experience
Skills
Essential
- Able to interpret national policies and guidelines into locally relevant policies and procedures
- Preparation and delivery of presentations and reports to board level standard
- Highly developed communication skills with ability to negotiate and influence effectively to achieve best outcomes
- Experience of networking at local and national level
Qualifications
Essential
- Leadership and management training qualification at degree level or above
- Masters level qualification, or equivalent research related experience
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of developing and implementing successful research strategies
- Proven record of consistent delivery against targets for both commercial and non-commercial research
- Research contract negotiation/management experience
Knowledge
Essential
- Specialist knowledge of the governance and legislative frameworks for conducting clinical research studies
- Detailed knowledge of the national NHS R&D Strategy and funding streams
- Specialist knowledge of current local, regional and national policies relating to clinical research activity in the NHS
Management
Essential
- NHS experience in a senior management position
- Research management experience at a senior level
- Able to lead, manage, train and develop staff
- Budget management experience
Skills
Essential
- Able to interpret national policies and guidelines into locally relevant policies and procedures
- Preparation and delivery of presentations and reports to board level standard
- Highly developed communication skills with ability to negotiate and influence effectively to achieve best outcomes
- Experience of networking at local and national level
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).
Additional information
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).
Employer details
Employer name
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust
Address
Midland Metropolitan University Hospital
Birmingham
B66 2QT
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.swbh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust
Address
Midland Metropolitan University Hospital
Birmingham
B66 2QT
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.swbh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Directorate Manager for the Chief Medical Officer
Heather Matthews
01215075232
Details
Date posted
30 October 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8c
Salary
£79,504 to £91,609 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
381-CO-8089035
Job locations
Midland Metropolitan University Hospital
Birmingham
B66 2QT
United Kingdom
Supporting documents
Privacy notice
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)
Support links
© Crown copyright
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