Role Summary
People treated in research‑active organisations experience better health outcomes — and at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, research is at the heart of who we are. As a proudly research‑led organisation, our activity and infrastructure have expanded rapidly over the past five years. We are now seeking a highly experienced and capable R&D Operations Director to continue driving this growth across all our sites.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
As R&D Operations Director, you will be a key member of the Trust’s R&D Senior Leadership Team. You will:
- Provide decisive and strategic leadership across our expanding research operations supporting continuous improvement across the R&D function
- Ensure operational teams deliver efficient, high‑quality support for internally developed research
- Lead the effective set‑up and delivery of externally sponsored studies, meeting ambitious national performance targets
- Strengthen and evolve partnerships with the University of Exeter, other HEIs and life sciences partners
Drive further growth in commercial research activity This is a high‑profile role shaping how research is delivered across the Trust and the wider Southwest region.
About You
We are seeking a leader who brings both strength and clarity to a complex, fast‑moving environment.
You will be:
- A robust leader, able to lead confidently through challenge, change, and pressure
- Someone who makes sound decisions, holds people to account, and is not afraid to tackle difficult issues constructively
- An experienced R&D operations leader, with significant NHS experience
- Preferably someone with a clinical background, enabling you to bridge research and clinical practice effectively
- Highly knowledgeable in regulatory trials, research governance, and research performance frameworks
- A confident relationship‑builder who can work with senior stakeholders, sponsors, and partners
- Committed to creating an environment where high‑quality research can thrive at scale
Why Join Us?
This is an exceptional opportunity for a strong, capable leader seeking to make a strategic impact at the heart of a major NHS Trust. You will join a forward‑thinking and dynamic team with national visibility, strong academic partnerships, and ambitious plans for continued growth.
Please note that this advert is subject to consistency checking.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours Monday - Friday
Interview Date: Monday 11th May 2026
For further information please contact: Emily Simpson, Executive & Specialist Recruitment Lead on 07958931414 or emily.simpson21@nhs.net
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.
In collaboration with the University of Exeter, the Royal Devon has an NHIR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF) and NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC). There is also a thriving and expanding Commercial Research Centre. The Trust also Hosts the NIHR Peninsula Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) and NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN).
This infrastructure enables us to deliver high‑impact research that improves patient outcomes regionally, nationally and internationally.
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
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
