Role Summary
This full-time post is available from 1st January 2027 on a permanent basis and offers the opportunity for some hybrid working, with some time working on site (either University campus or NHS premises) and some time working from home. The expectation is that you will spend the majority of your working week on site.
The starting salary will be from £67,144 up to £84,594 per annum pro rata on grade H, based on knowledge, skills and experience.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
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 Exeter’s 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.
Informal Enquiries
Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Emily Simpson, Executive and Specialist Recruitment Lead emily.simpson21@nhs.net or 07958 931414 in the first instance.
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, emily.simpson21@nhs.net 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.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
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
How we can help
If you’re considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at hrhelpdesk@exeter.ac.uk. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.
