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Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
About
The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides a full range of acute clinical services for a catchment area of up over 1 million people from Norfolk, neighbouring counties and further afield. The vision for our 10,000 colleagues is “The best care for every patient”, reflecting the utmost importance that we attach to the quality of care and experience that each and every one of our patients receives.
We provide a full range of acute clinical services, including more specialist services such as oncology and radiotherapy (including brachytherapy), neonatology, trauma and orthopaedics, plastic surgery, vascular surgery, robotic surgery, bone marrow transplants, interventional radiology, specialist cardiology, paediatric medicine and surgery. Many of our services are amongst the largest in the country (for example, the 5th busiest NHS cancer service in England). Our patients are referred to us by around 100 local GP surgeries and other acute hospitals and primary care Trusts around the country.
We work closely with the University of East Anglia’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences to train health professionals and undertake clinical research. We have world class facilities, highly skilled staff and low infection rates. Our patients rate us highly on quality of care and having friendly, approachable staff.
Contact
- Address
- 20 Rouen road
- Norwich
- Norfolk
- NR1 1QQ
- Contact Number
- 01603 286286
NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) Director
Accepting applications until: 27-Sep-2026 23:59
Vacancy status: Open
Accepting applications until: 27-Sep-2026 23:59
Key details
Location
- Site
- 20 Rouen Road
- Town
- Norwich
- Postcode
- NR1 1QQ
- Major / Minor Region
- Norfolk
Contract type & working pattern
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
Salary
- Salary
- £112,782 - £129,783 per annum (pro rata)
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Grade
- (NHS AfC: Band 9)
Specialty
- Main area
- NIHR Research Delivery Network
- Interview date
- 11/11/2026
The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) is a 1,200-bedded teaching hospital with state-of-the-art facilities for modern patient care: 1100 beds in the PFI and 100 in Cromer Community Hospital.
The NNUH is part of Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group which includes the James Paget Hospital, in Great Yarmouth and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King Lynn.
We carry out nearly one million outpatient appointments, day case procedures and inpatient admissions annually. The population we serve is predominantly the people of Norfolk and north Suffolk, although some patients are referred from further afield especially to access specialist services available at this Trust.
Our staff of c10,000 care for and support patients who are referred to us by around 100 local GP practices and from other acute hospitals. We run more than 60 specialist services as a tertiary centre, including more than a dozen specialist cancer and radiotherapy treatments, and we are one of the biggest cancer centres in the country.
We provide complex spinal surgery services, specialist Neonatal Intensive Care, neurosciences services and specialist cardiac services. Our Trust runs specialist dermatology, rheumatology, endocrinology, adult congenital heart disease services, treatment of complex liver and pancreatic diseases in adults, cystic fibrosis services and intestinal failure services. We are enhancing our urgent and emergency care specialist services for patients with significant injuries as a result of trauma and have an ambition to become a Major Trauma Centre. NNUH is currently the busiest Trauma Unit in the East of England caring for almost 850 trauma patients annually many with complex care needs.
At NNUH it is our privilege to provide healthcare, and our vision is to ‘provide the best care for every patient’. If this inspires you and you share our values, we really want you to join our team.
Our values support our vision and guide the behaviour of everything we do, these are:
People-focused
We look after the needs of our patients, carers and colleagues, to provide a safe and caring experience for all.
Respect
We act with care, compassion and kindness and value others’ diverse needs.
Integrity
We take an honest, open and ethical approach to everything we do.
Dedication
We work as one team and support each other to maintain the highest professional standards.
Excellence
We continuously learn and improve to achieve the best outcomes for our patients and our hospital.
Wish you were here? So do we.
We want all our staff to achieve a balance between work and personal life and understand how important flexible working can be. We welcome applications on a full or part time basis, various shift patterns and hybrid working, where roles allow.
At the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH), we know the benefits diversity can bring to our organisation such as creativity, innovation and compassion. All of which have a direct impact towards our staff and patient experience. We are committed to being a Hospital for All – being equitable and inclusive, and a place where all feel a sense of belonging. We therefore particularly encourage and welcome applications from candidates who are underrepresented in NNUH’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities and long term conditions and people within the LGBT+ community.
Job overview
The NIHR East of England Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) Director is a senior, high‑impact leadership role. As East of England (EoE) RRDN Network Director, you will provide strategic direction, operational oversight and system‑wide leadership to enable the effective delivery of high‑quality research that benefits patients, the public and the wider health and care system. You will shape regional strategy, influence national priorities as a member of the NIHR RDN Board, and lead major programmes of work that strengthen research capability and capacity across diverse settings.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced, visionary leader who thrives in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments. You will bring a deep understanding of research, the NHS and the wider health and care system, alongside proven executive‑level experience in strategic leadership, change management and cross‑organisational collaboration. If you are motivated by improving outcomes, tackling health inequalities and supporting innovation across the life sciences and health research landscape, this role offers a rare platform to make a national impact.
Closing date: 27 September 2026
Interview date: 11 November 2026
Advert
As EoE RRDN Network Director, you will lead the establishment, delivery and performance of the East of England Regional Research Delivery Network. This includes overseeing strategic planning, operational management and business planning, ensuring effective governance, driving continuous improvement, and championing the involvement of patients, carers and the public in research. You will manage a senior leadership team, provide expert guidance on research delivery, and oversee a significant annual budget to ensure value for money and high‑quality services. You will also build strong relationships with NHS organisations, Integrated Care Systems, NIHR partners, universities, local authorities and the life sciences industry to maximise research impact and opportunity.
We are seeking a strategic, politically astute leader with outstanding communication, negotiation and stakeholder‑engagement skills. You will need extensive experience of leading complex programmes, managing large budgets and interpreting national policy into deliverable regional priorities. Strong analytical, problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities are essential, along with integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and the ability to inspire teams. A Master’s degree and executive‑level leadership experience are required.
Working for our organisation
The EoE RRDN Network is hosted by the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Join us and be part of a workforce of over 10,000 staff!
We are one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, providing first-class acute care for around one million people, living in Norfolk and surrounding areas. We are a teaching and research hospital, at the forefront of innovation, home to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Quadram Institute. We are pleased to work closely with the University of East Anglia, providing teaching opportunities for our staff and placement opportunities for their students. We attract some of the best and leading professionals from across the country and are proud that our workforce represents 94 countries from across the world.
We are a friendly, collaborative hospital, working with local services and home to N&N Hospitals Charity.
We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition:
- Flexible working hours
- Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service
- Multi Faith prayer room at NNUH Colney Lane site
- Discounted gym memberships
- Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
- Wagestream - access up to 40% of your pay as you earn it
- Free Park & Ride service direct to NNUH Colney Lane site
- Free 24-hours confidential counselling support
- On-site Nursery at NNUH Colney Lane
- On-site cafes offering staff discounts at NNUH Colney Lane
- Support in career development
- Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars, Cycle to Work scheme and home electronics
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For full details of duties and responsibilities as part of this role, please view the Job Description and person specification.
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
- Overall leadership, delivery and management of the RRDN
Be accountable to the Host Lead, NIHR RDN CEO and the RDN Board for;
the establishment and delivery of the RRDN
○ the operational performance of the RRDN
○ the management and assurance of RRDN funding
○ oversight of the development and delivery of the RRDN 3 year Strategic Implementation Plan
○ ensuring the Host Organisation fulfils the obligations of the RRDN Host Organisation Contract
○ Be a visible leader and actively promote a culture of staff development and wellbeing
○ ensuring the vision, values and behaviours of the RDN are embraced across the RRDN
BUSINESS PLANNING
- Strategic oversight, development and approval of RRDN business, financial, strategic development and impact plans, and associated reports
- Develop and optimise potential for high quality and sustainable health and care research within the region and nationally in alignment with RDN vision, direction and strategic aims
OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT
- Overall accountability for the delivery and management of the RRDN with oversight of all aspects of the RRDN’s daily business
- Line management of the RRDN Strategic Development Director, RRDN Operations Director and RRDN Health & Care Research Directors and have ultimate accountability for all departments and roles in the RRDN Staff structure
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
- Provide strong leadership, engaging with the regional research community to support and enable the efficient set up and delivery of RDN Portfolio research, with particular emphasis on addressing the needs of the life sciences industry
- Ensure the establishment and oversight of effective systems and processes for robust performance management to ensure the RRDN Host Organisation Contract is adhered to
NHS AND NON-NHS ENGAGEMENT
- Develop and foster effective relationships and collaborations with stakeholders such as, but not limited to, ICS/ICBs, HEIs, charities, other NIHR infrastructure, NHSE/I, AHSNs, to enhance and promote research and development across the health and care economy
- Ensure engagement and commitment from regional NHS organisations / providers of NHS services, other parts of NIHR and key external stakeholders as appropriate to enable implementation of RDN strategies
The Job Description, which includes a Person Specification, provides a full outline of responsibilities and requirements for this role. Please use your supporting statement to demonstrate how you meet the person specification.
Visa and Immigration
If you are wishing to apply for this role and would require sponsorship (this includes if you are already in a sponsored post and looking to change employer), you can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for this post by assessing your circumstances against criteria specified on the gov.uk website https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job.
Travelling to work
Staff parking is available onsite; however, this is limited during core working hours. We have more capacity in the evening and at weekends and can usually provide spaces during those hours.
We look to allocate these spaces fairly. Our Travel Office have a set of criteria that staff must meet in order to qualify. If you qualify for a space, you may be placed on a waiting list if we are at full capacity.
The NNUH is served by a number of public buses, and we offer generously discounted monthly passes with First Bus & Konect.
The Costessey Park and Ride runs regularly each day from 06:30 (from P&R) to 20:45 (from NNUH) and this service is free for NHS staff. Applications to the Travel Office for a Trust ID badge are required for this service. We also have a discounted service from the airport P&R if you purchase a bundle. Please see Konect website for further details.
The NNUH host multiple bicycle racks and a salary sacrifice scheme. We also benefit from a Beryl station onsite.
If you work at another Trust site, please discuss travel and parking arrangements at interview.
DBS
If this post involves working with children or adults the application form will ask for information regarding previous convictions as you will be required to undertake a Criminal Record and Barring Check known as a DBS check.
If you are a new employee or registering with the Staff Bank you will need to meet the cost of this unless your salary is below Band 4 (AfC).
NHS Service
Should you be appointed to the post we will need to establish any previous NHS service via the ESR IAT and we will accept the submission of your application as your agreement to this.
UK Professional Registration
You will need to have current UK professional registration where this is a requirement of the role. When you submit an application which includes professional registration details, you are providing consent to the checking and verification of this information.
Application
Following candidate feedback and to reduce our dependency on paper, all our communication with you regarding your application will be by email so could you please check your e-mails (and Spam) regularly.
We value equality in our team and recruit from all sections of the community. We recognise there is a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and if you meet the minimum criteria detailed in the person specification and have a disability, you may wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme by indicating this in the relevant section on your application.
We look forward to receiving your application and if you do not hear within the next four weeks this will usually mean that you have not been short-listed. However, if you wish to confirm this please contact the person indicated on the advert.
Flexibility
Whilst every effort will be made to recruit to the post as it is advertised, there may be occasions where we consider alternative working patterns, such as part time working, or contract types, such as secondments, depending on circumstances. Should you wish to work in a different working pattern to that stated in our advertisement, please indicate this in the supporting statement to your application.
Notice: the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH) will never ask candidates to make any payment during the recruitment process, offer employment without a formal recruitment process, or contact applicants via WhatsApp, social media, or free email accounts. Please only apply for vacancies advertised through official NHS recruitment channels and be cautious of any unsolicited job offers. If you receive suspicious recruitment communications claiming to represent NNUH, do not share personal information or make any payments.
Useful Information
Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates about the exciting career opportunities available at NNUH - @NNUHjobs
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Website
Applicant requirements
Person specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Masters level qualification or equivalent
- Executive level management qualification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
- Professional research leadership, both strategic and operational at a senior level
- Proven senior level experience of leading and delivering complex change and strategy development programmes in a politically sensitive and complex environment
Desirable criteria
- Understanding of governance and legislative framework for clinical research in the NHS
Value and Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
- Demonstrates honesty and integrity and promotes organisational values
Documents
- RRDN Director Job Description and Person Specification K1843 (PDF, 608.5KB)
- Staff Benefits (PDF, 674.5KB)
- Our NNUH Together Staff Network (PDF, 370.4KB)
- Our NNUH LGBT+ Staff Network (PDF, 675.0KB)
- Our NNUH Disability and Long Term Conditions Staff Network (PDF, 607.0KB)
- Our NNUH Women's Staff Network (PDF, 103.1KB)
- Useful Links (PDF, 184.6KB)
- NNUH Fraud prevention notice (PDF, 104.6KB)
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Dr Tarnya Marshall
- Job title
- Interim Medical Director
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Additional information
[email protected] – Network Director East Midlands RRDN
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