CRDC Operational Manager

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is one of the largest healthcare systems in the UK employing around 40,000 staff in a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and job roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health care services to a population of over 1.15 million and a wider population of 2.2 million when our regional and national services are included.

New opportunity for career development
Glasgow Clinical Research Facility
Commercial Research Delivery Centre Operational Manager
Band 8a
2 year fixed term contract
Launched in 2025, Glasgow Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) is one of a network of 21 across the UK set up to increase commercial clinical research in the NHS, enhancing the speed, efficiency and inclusivity of clinical research delivery. Glasgow CRDC is part of the CRDC UK Network and one of four in Scotland. This post will work closely with the CRDC UK Co-Director, Senior Management Team and Theme Leads to support key deliverables including operational efficiency, performance monitoring, and communications. The four CRDCs in Scotland are aligned and coordinated through NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Central Management Team (CMT) and this post will also work with the VPAG Network Manager communicating CRDC operational delivery reports and working together on pan-Scotland initiatives.

Embedded in NHS Research Infrastructure (NRS) the Glasgow CRDC is part of the Glasgow Clinical Research Facility (GCRF), a leading centre for clinical research, incorporating bespoke research facilities across the Healthboard. The GCRF is an operational unit of the Department of Research & Innovation within NHSGGC and is at the forefront of delivering high-quality research across all specialties (adult and paediatrics) and across all phases including First in Human and Advanced Therapy Trials.

Working with Principal Investigators, the delivery team is multidisciplinary, including fellows, pharmacists, research nurses, practitioners, data managers, and administrative staff, all committed to improving patient outcomes through research. You will play a pivotal role in developing and leading recruitment strategies, supporting the operational delivery of commercial research, and ensuring the highest standards of research governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and coordinate actions as required from the CRDC UK Network.
• Collaborate with the NRS CMT VPAG Network Manager
• Lead and manage site set up, recruitment and delivery of commercial clinical trials within the Glasgow CRDC.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimise participant recruitment and retention.
• Oversee operational management of research teams, including line management and staff development.
• Ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), NHS policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, sponsors, and external partners to facilitate study delivery.
• Monitor performance against key metrics (e.g., recruitment targets, data quality, regulatory compliance).
• Support the development of new roles and succession planning within the department.
• Contribute to the preparation of study documentation and reports.
• Participate/ lead departmental meetings, quality improvement projects, and strategic planning.

Essential Criteria

• Educated to degree level in a health or life sciences discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Professional registration with a relevant body (e.g., NMC, HCPC, or Academy for Healthcare Science for Clinical Research Practitioners), relevant experience in a clinical or healthcare setting is also acceptable
• Significant experience in clinical research delivery, ideally within the NHS or similar healthcare setting.
• Demonstrable knowledge of clinical research governance, GCP, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven leadership and line management experience.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency with MS Office and research databases.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem-solving.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in commercial trial delivery and/or project management.
• Knowledge of data management systems (e.g., EDGE, SPSS).
• Experience in staff training, mentoring, or development.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Driving licence (for travel between sites).

For further information on what is included in the role and what skills/experience are required, click on the links at the bottom of the screen to the job description and person specification.

Informal enquires are encouraged, please contact Lynn Prentice, Clinical Research Manager / Email

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process:

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde- NHS Scotland encourages applications from all sections of the community. We promote a culture of inclusion across the organisation and are proud of the diverse workforce we have.
By signing the
Armed Forces Covenant
, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We support applications from across the Armed Forces Community, recognisingmilitary skills, experience and qualifications during the recruitment and selection process.

Candidates should provide original and authentic responses to all questions within the application form. The use of
artificial intelligence (AI)
, automated tools, or other third-party assistance to generate, draft, or significantly modify responses is strongly discouraged. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced or altered by AI or similar technologies. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in your application being withdrawn from the application process.

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