University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Clinical Trials Delivery Unit (CTDU) Programme Transformation Manager

The closing date is 29 November 2026

Job summary
Are you an experienced strategic and operational leader looking for an opportunity to shape and transform clinical research delivery within a leading neuroscience centre?

We are seeking an exceptional Programme Transformation Manager to lead the establishment and implementation of the Queen Square Clinical Trials Delivery Unit (QSCTDU). Working with the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) and operationalising it alongside the clinical lead for the development of QSCTDU, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for an ambitious and unique programme to transform and integrate late-phase clinical trials delivery across Queen Square and wider UCLH neurosciences.

The QSCTDU will bring all late-phase clinical studies under a single operational structure, creating a more coordinated, efficient and sustainable approach to research delivery. Key priorities will include establishing a single point of access for sponsors and investigators, consolidating the research delivery workforce, streamlining study feasibility, set-up and governance, and introducing unified performance management and oversight of the research pipeline. You will also lead the development of a more integrated commercial model, supporting strategic reinvestment and future growth.

The unit will support an extensive and diverse portfolio of research across Queen Square. This presents a unique opportunity to influence and shape research delivery across a broad range of clinical disciplines.

Main duties of the job
Working with the SRO, and the clinical lead the postholder will have overall responsibility for the strategic development and operational delivery of the QSCTDU, ensuring services are delivered within agreed financial and activity parameters, to the required standards of clinical quality and in compliance with relevant clinical trials legislation and research governance requirements.

This is a significant leadership position, and you will lead complex organisational change, develop the operating model and establish the operational, financial and performance frameworks necessary to deliver a high-performing and sustainable service.

We are looking for an individual with a strong track record of leading complex research or transformational programmes, excellent financial and operational management skills, and the ability to engage and influence stakeholders across diverse clinical and professional groups. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of translational research delivery at UCLH, strengthening our neuroscience research portfolio and supporting the delivery of world-class clinical research.

The post is offered on an 18-month fixed-term contract or secondment basis, subject to the availability of programme funding.

About us
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:

• University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
• National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
• University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
• Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
• University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
• The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
• University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street

We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.

We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.

Details
Date posted: 13 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8d
Salary: £103,102 to £117,560 a year, per annum inclusive of HCAS
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 18 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 309-UCLH-8432635
Job locations: National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff.

UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff. To find out more, visit: Flexible working.

To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH?

Person Specification
Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential

• First degree or equivalent in scientific/healthcare related discipline
• MSc in Scientific, healthcare or related discipline or equivalent experience of operational management of clinical trials within the NHS
• Expert theoretical and practical knowledge of scientific conduct of clinical research including the planning, co-ordination and conduct of clinical trials
• Understanding of National research policy and current issues in the NHS
• Detailed knowledge of Good Clinical Practice and Research Governance together with the ability to disseminate the knowledge and information
• Familiarity with the issues surrounding clinical data, particularly confidentiality
• Detailed knowledge of NIHR, BRC and Department of Health research priorities

Desirable

• Management qualification

Experience
Essential

• Significant experience of working in clinical research
• Operational experience of working with multiple clinical trials involving IMPs and ATMPs
• Previous experience of working at a managerial level including management of staff
• Experience of working in the field of Neurosciences, Neurology or Neurosurgery
• Experience working in the NHS
• Experience of project management
• Experience of Clinical Trial set up including contract and budget negotiation
• Experience of working on local studies, national academic and commercial studies
• Expert experience of working to UK clinical trial regulations & ICH GCP
• Proven track record of performance management of clinical trial delivery
• Experience of managing complex NHS research budgets

Skills and Abilities
Essential

• Proven ability to provide leadership
• Leadership skill in the management of complex change
• Organisation and time management skills to manage and deliver a range of complex tasks and projects to tight deadlines
• IT skills particularly in the use of MS Office applications
• Ability to analyse and interpret specialised, confidential research management information and ability to make judgements regarding a range of highly complex research management issues
• Ability to assess clinical trial protocols for impact and deliverability
• Skills in costing studies and managing finance
• Ability to manage change and convey contentious information
• Flexible approach to working, including problem solving skills, management of change and a desire to develop knowledge

Values
Essential

• Demonstrate ability to meet Trust Values of safety, kindness, teamwork and improving

Communication
Essential

• Highly developed negotiating skills
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills; able to work with clinical and management colleagues at all levels across a range of organisations

Personal and People Development
Essential

• Demonstrate a commitment to professional development of self and others.
• Knowledge of equalities issues and strong commitment to the promotion of equality in employment.

Personal Qualities
Essential

• Highly motivated with the ability to influence and inspire others
• Personal credibility to secure support with partner organisations
• Able to adapt style to the needs of the situation
• Confidence to act on own initiative and take ideas forward
• Ability to work within a team
• Capacity to manage a demanding workload and deliver work to deadlines

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.

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.

Employer details
Employer name: University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address: National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.uclh.nhs.uk

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Assistant Divisional Manager, Isabella Hatfield, Isabella.hatfield3@nhs.net

Supporting documents
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