Job summary
Shape the future of research and innovation across one of the NHS's leading research-active Trusts.

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced and motivated Research & Innovation (R&I) Manager to provide senior operational leadership for our Research & Innovation service. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of high-quality research, driving innovation, and ensuring excellence in research governance across our Trust.

Working closely with the Associate Medical Director for Research & Innovation, Head of Research & Innovation, Lead Research Nurse and Quality Assurance Manager, you will help deliver the Trust's research strategy, strengthen research infrastructure, and ensure compliance with national research standards and regulatory requirements.

Main duties of the job
As Research & Innovation Manager, you will provide operational leadership across a diverse and growing research portfolio, ensuring effective service delivery, robust governance arrangements, strong performance management, and continuous quality improvement.

You will:

• Lead the day-to-day management and development of the Research & Innovation service.
• Monitor and drive performance against NIHR and local research objectives and metrics.
• Provide expert advice on research governance, regulatory compliance and research approvals.
• Develop and implement policies, standard operating procedures and systems that support safe, efficient and compliant research delivery.
• Support inspection readiness and coordinate responses to external inspections and reviews.
• Lead on operational performance reporting, data quality and continuous service improvement.
• Contribute to workforce planning, staff development and the leadership of a high-performing multidisciplinary team.
• Support the financial sustainability of the research portfolio through effective costing, income management and resource planning.

About us
Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the contract.

Why Join Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust?
At Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, our people are at the heart of everything we do.

As a Disability Confident Employer and recipient of the Gold Award in the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme, we actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion, creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build rewarding careers within the NHS.

We also recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance. By supporting flexible working arrangements wherever possible, we enable our colleagues to balance their professional and personal commitments while continuing to deliver outstanding care to our patients. Whether flexibility means adjusted hours, part-time working, hybrid arrangements or alternative working patterns, we work in partnership with our staff to meet both individual and service needs.

Join Us Whether you're at the start of your career or looking for your next challenge, Frimley Health offers the opportunity to be part of a inclusive, forward-thinking organisation that is committed to excellence, innovation and compassionate care. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare and make a real difference to the lives of the communities we serve.

Frimley Health Trust benefits on Vimeo

Details
Date posted: 25 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £59,798 to £67,020 a year
per annum incl HCAS
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 2 years
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 151-SF151
Job locations: Frimley Park Hospital, Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Surrey, GU16 7UJ, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further details on working for Frimley Health Foundation Trust

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Relevant university degree in Life Science or Clinical Sciences/ Health care related professional qualification or equivalent level.
• Masters level qualification or equivalent experience
• ICH-GCP Certification

Desirable

• Project Management qualification
• PhD or equivalent professional experience

Experience
Essential

• Significant experience in a management role in either NHS or academic research environment.
• Extensive experience of research governance management in the NHS, academia or pharmaceutical industry.
• Extensive knowledge of research project lifecycle from set up to archiving
• Experience of working with research contracts and legal agreements, in particular the review, drafting and amendment of such agreements

Skills & Knowledge
Essential

• An excellent understanding and extensive experience of research governance and other relevant regulations relating to clinical research including, but not limited to, UK Framework for Health and Social Care research Human Tissue Act, ICH-GCP, Data Protection/GDPR, MHRA
• In depth knowledge of non-commercial funding and application processes for clinical research.
• An understanding of commercial research in the NHS and academia

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: Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Frimley Park Hospital, Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Surrey, GU16 7UJ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Head of Research and Innovation
Swapna Thomas
swapnathomas@nhs.net
07584385489

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.