Research & Innovation Business Manager, Band 8c

Job summary

The R&I Business Manager will provide expert senior leadership, management, and operational oversight to the Trusts R&I function. The is a highly visible role which includes leading, influencing and contributing to the Trusts R&I ambitions.

The role will programme manage the implementation of the GHFT Research and Innovation Strategy and operational delivery plan, working closely with the research teams in Gloucestershire Hospitals Trust and Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust as well as research active primary care staff. The purpose of the R&I Business Manager post is to support the effective and efficient initiation and delivery of research and innovation activity across GHFT, for the benefit of patients, the health and care system and local people. The role will provide support to Research 4 Gloucestershire by leading on specific initiatives and task and finish groups.

The post holder will ensure that systems and processes are in place to deliver high quality research and innovation activity that meets legislative guidance and governance regulation. The post holder has responsibility for the strategic management of infrastructure and operational research delivery ensuing systems and processes are in place to meet performance targets, compiling business plans and reports and providing R&I budgetary management.

**Please see attached for a full job overview

Main duties of the job

As Business Manager, your main duties will include:

- Work across the Trust undertaking a key senior role in leading research and innovation development and delivery in support of the Trust's strategy in relation to research and innovation.

- Demonstrate professional leadership in strategic and operational matters including experience of leadership in organisational change.

- Maintain oversight of all operational delivery elements of the R&I Department and ensure effective and efficient process and systems are implemented and successfully managed.

- Develop and implement comprehensive monitoring and reporting frameworks

- Provide leadership and line management to the R&I Professional Services manager, Research Matron, Academic Services Manager, Commercial Trials Unit Manager and the Finance Manager.

- Work with the Director of Research, Innovation & Commercial Development to further develop governance and assurance arrangements that will support the safe delivery of research and innovation in the Trust.

- Work with a variety of teams to ensure efficiencies in research delivery performance

- Responsible for active management of the R&I budget.

- Responsible for compiling and submitting internal and external annual plans, reports and financial returns in accordance with reporting frameworks.

- Ensure digital solutions are employed in support of research and innovation management and delivery.

- Deliver the R&I FSP target**Please see attached for full duties

About us

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest employer in the county and with over 8,000 staff, we are one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK. We offer a generous annual leave allowance, excellent bank rates, access to the excellent NHS Pension Scheme, discounts for local shops, restaurants and services, access to our health and well-being hub, access to our two on-site nurseries, flexible working options, discounted public transport, reward and recognition schemes, exercise and activity classes and membership to our popular hospital choir.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key responsibilities

As Research & Innovation Business Manager, your main duties will include:Strategic Leadership

- Provide regular reports to Research 4 Gloucestershire (R4G) on progress against the strategy delivery plan and risk register.

- Work with partners to promote and develop research capability and capacity.

- Explore and develop opportunities to work with external partners to enable the expansion of research and innovation activity in the county.

- Strengthen joint working with the University of Gloucestershire.

- Explore opportunities to maximise the involvement of the ICB, GHC, Primary and Social Care sectors in the delivery of research and innovation activity.

Operational Management

- Be responsible for the management, coordination and delivery of the GHFT Research and innovation delivery plan and provide necessary reports to Commercial Innovation & Review Group, R&I Heads of Service, R&I Governance Group. R4G and the RRDN

- Lead on specific activities and the work of Task and Finish Groups as requested.

- Work with Library services to establish a research and innovation repository for publications by staff working across GHFT.

- Develop business cases as requested to support developments in research and innovation.

- Organise research and innovation events and other activities to promote research and showcase research undertaken by staff working across GHFT

- Work with the GHFT communications team to publicise research and innovation events and activities. Promoting the benefits of participation in research and innovation to the public and so promote participation and expansion of research and innovation activity.

- Work with colleagues in the local ICS/ICB to assist with co-ordination of research and innovation activities and grant applications.

- Attend and participate in meetings of the CRN/RDN, NIHR, Health Innovation and others are required, representing GHFT.

- Report against Trust R&I KPIs, implementing improvements to processes to ensure successful delivery against key metrics.

Organisational Development

- Be a visible leader and actively promoting a culture of staff development, collaboration, positive staff experience, well-being and inclusion, and embedding patient, carer and public involvement within research and innovation activities.

- Be an ambassador for Research and innovation and actively championing the GHFT vision for research and innovation.

- Develop effective working relationships with commercial research sponsors, regional partners, national and international collaborations.

- Promote a learning organisation that uses the knowledge and skills of all members to improve performance, is innovative and generates helpful and shared output

- Contribute to the ongoing development of the vision and direction for the GHFT and translate into deliverable priorities for research and innovation.

- Embed PPIE within GHFT R&I service.

Performance Management

- Provide leadership, engaging with the local and regional research and innovation community to support and enable successful grant applications that aid the delivery of the research portfolio, with particular focus on working with the life sciences industry and commercial organisations

- Analysis of complex and often conflicting data to identify strategic priorities and business plan activities Identify areas of underperformance in research and take the necessary action to improve participation rates and research / innovation activity.

Life Sciences Industry

- Establish mutually beneficial relationships with life sciences industry partners in collaboration with the HISW to maximise the opportunities available for the benefit of our population.

- Champion the GHFT capacity and capability to support Life Sciences Industry research and the contribution of the Life Sciences Industry to the NHS

- Drive forward the GHFT research innovation strategy to support the needs of Life Sciences Industry research locally.

Financial Management Responsibilities

- With the Director of Innovation, Research & Commercial Development manage the research budget allocated via NIHR

- Ensure that effective financial procedures and arrangements are in place and that these are in line with the GHFT Financial standing orders.

- Ensure value for money and strive for continuous efficiencies in use of funding.

Continuous Improvement

- Utilise performance and other available data including benchmarking to identify and drive forward improvements in service delivery and performance.

- Utilise service improvement approaches, such as Lean, to streamline operational delivery systems and processes in order to optimise efficiency, delivery and value for money

- Ensure robust mechanisms for continuous operational and business improvement processes are in place, supporting the delivery of transformational change across GHFT.

- Take responsibility for the implementation of relevant GHFT policies and procedures.

NHS and Non-NHS Engagement

- Develop and foster effective relationships and collaborations with stakeholders such as, but not limited to, ICS/ICB partners, HEIs, other NIHR infrastructure, NHSE, HISW, RDN to enhance and promote research and evaluation across the health and care community. Also regional universities, national and international collaborators.

- 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 the GHFT strategy and priorities.

- Work across the health and care specialties to identify and develop further opportunities to embed research and innovation into the NHS, non-NHS and wider health and care environment.

Ensuring Patient, Carer and Public Impact on Delivery of the GHFT Research & Innovation Strategy

- Act as a champion for patients, carers and the public, ensuring that their interests are meaningfully incorporated into the development and delivery of the Research and Innovation Strategy.

- Ensure all patient, carer and public involvement and engagement activities of GHFT are of the highest professional standard.

- Embed patient, carer and public involvement within the research and innovation activities at all appropriate levels of decision making.

Corporate Governance

- Be accountable for ensuring that all necessary contracts or agreements required are in place before funds are provided for research and Innovation.

- Ensuring compliance with GHFTs corporate Governance arrangements, policies and standing orders.

Communication and interpersonal skills

- Contribute to developing research innovation strategy, planning and performance.

- Integrate with health services to assess and plan research provision.

- Communicates with internal staff to ensure compliance with performance targets.

- Communicates with internal staff and external agencies to ensure compliance with performance targets and strategic objectives.

- Present highly complex information to staff groups including governance and oversight groups.

- Establish effective communication channels to ensure all staff in the department are aware of the aims and business of the department and Trust.

- Create an environment which allows open communication at all levels amongst all staff.

- Develop effective channels of communication and working relationships to build and establish credibility with researchers, research teams, supporting services, clinical services and the R&I community, other local acute Trusts, HEIs, Networks and Life Sciences partners.

Analytical / Judgemental Skills

- Reviews highly complex facts or situations interpreting information and comparing this across a range of options to develop strategies and business plans.

- Analyses performance of R&I activity ensuring performance targets and strategic objectives are achieved.

- Makes operational judgements managing conflicting views and reconciles inter and intra professional differences of opinion.

- Assess and advise on research risks and reports.

Planning & Organisational Skills

- Ensure services and initiatives are delivered on time, to quality standards and in a cost-effective manner, adjusting plans as required

- Support the delivery of research and innovation projects within agreed timeframes

- Determine the strategic planning of Department or Directorate projects, identifying interdependencies across projects/functions, and the potential impacts on the wider organisation, resource requirements and building in contingency and adjustments as necessary

- Determine the development of performance and governance strategies and the development and implementation of improvement programmes, in accordance with priorities.

- Determine short, medium and long-term business plans, achieving quality outcomes.

Physical, Mental & Emotional Effort & Working Conditions

- Keyboard skills and use of IT equipment.

- Travel between sites.

- This role requires light physical effort for short periods.

- Frequent concentration; work pattern unpredictable Concentration required for investigating problems, analysis of performance data and policies, interruptions requiring immediate response.

- Occasional/ frequent distressing or emotional circumstances Imparting unwelcome news where performance targets not met.

- Exposure to unpleasant conditions is rare.

- Office conditions.

Patient / Client Care

- Ensure researchers are supported to incorporate appropriate EDI and Patient and Public involvement and engagement in the design and delivery of their research.

- Ensure appropriate Patient and Public involvement and engagement in the delivery of the Trusts research portfolio.

- Ensure appropriate Patient and Public involvement and engagement in the governance and assurance groups which support R&I in the Trust.

**See attached job description for full duties.

Person Specification

Communication Skills

Essential

Evidence of a good standard of literacy / English language skills Ability to present highly complex information to staff including directors A good listener with demonstrable level 4 and 5 listening skills

Value and Personal Qualities

Essential

Tenacity, demonstrates high levels of self-belief, drive, enthusiasm and stamina to achieve goals and see things through Ability to motivate, inspire and provide innovative solutions. Excellent judgement. Ability to achieve consistently good results in an inclusive and collaborative manner Ability to work effectively in a complex and changing environment Ability to work under pressure to demanding timetables Understands the need to delivery short-term priorities and achieve long-term goals (sense of balance). Displays innovative and lateral thinking Prepared to work totally flexibly High degree of self-awareness Ability to maintain confidence, at all times Intellectual flexibility that enables the reasoned assessment of a situation and the ability to draw pragmatic conclusions Ability to 'broad scan' to keep abreast of developments in the Health & Research Sector Ability to deal with confidential issues in a professional and sensitive manner Highly motivated with the ability to lead and inspire others Appreciation of the impact of organisational culture on service delivery Lives by values which include openness, collaboration, responsiveness, inclusion, personal integrity and creating positive cultures where these values thrive Commitment to supporting the development of staff and understanding of workforce demands Flexible approach to working Attention to detail Outcomes focused Acts as a champion for patients and their interests, ensuring the patients' voice has an impact on research and evaluation activities Commitment to and focused on quality, promotes high standards in all they do Able to make a connection between their work and the benefit to patients' and the public Works well with others, is positive and helpful, listens, involves, respects, and learns from the contribution of others Consistently looks to improve what they do and seeks out innovation Self-awareness with regard to emotional intelligence, biases, and sensitivities.

Qualifications

Essential

Degree or equivalent professional experience Master's degree, or equivalent management experience Evidence of continued professional development Management qualification / Professional qualification

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

Sound understanding of research, the NHS and the wider health and care system including associated responsibilities to the public and patients Understanding of the NHS Research and innovation structure and funding Professional leadership, both strategic and operational at a senior level, comprehensive knowledge of programme sponsorship and management and detailed knowledge of Intellectual Property with R&I Knowledge of national systems, structures and processes by supporting clinical research in the NHS Evidence of managing effective collaborations and partnerships, strong problem-solving skills, ability to deal with challenging situations in a formal settings and ability to make decisions autonomously, when required, on difficult issues Experience at a senior management level and of working with senior clinical professionals Proven successful track record in; supporting and sustaining transformational change within a complex organisation, translating business strategy in to operational delivery, financial and project management, leading and performance-managing teams and individuals Significant experience of developing and managing high quality and safe patient services Understanding of clinical trials, national policy, regulatory research environment, NHS research and innovation structure and funding, performance related techniques and governance and legislative framework for clinical research in the NHS. Experience gained at Senior Operational Management level within Health Service or Research Sector Experience of working in the health and care sector, the health and social care service sector or academic environment at a senior level. Extensive experience of managing health and care services including the allocation of both funding and human resources Experience of using national policy or strategies to translate into local plans. Direct experience of business planning and service transformation. Experience of working collaboratively and in partnership with other organisations, with demonstrable experience of delivery across organisational boundaries Knowledge of utilising Business Intelligence solutions to work within a performance management framework. Political astuteness and understanding of the health and social care context Experience of leading continuous improvement Detailed knowledge of commercial research contracts; securing and delivering. Highly developed organisational leadership skills Ability to provide strategic direction Ability to quickly establish effective working relationships and develop strong team working Well-developed interpersonal and facilitation skills, with ability to gain and maintain credibility with senior clinicians. Highly effective presentation skills and the ability to present well-reasoned and structured arguments orally and in writing. Highly developed analytical skills Proficiency in the use of ICT applications to support efficient work activity, including the analysis, interpretation and presentation of complex data. Ability to manage priorities in order to meet specific deadlines Ability to hold direct and non-direct reports to account Flexible approach to working including problem solving

Desirable

Experience of delivering innovation contract research activity Knowledge or experience of establishing a regional integrated research and innovation ecosystem Detailed knowledge of Clinical or Research Quality and Safety methodologies Detailed knowledge of Clinical or Research and Corporate Governance Frameworks, legislation and best practice Detailed knowledge and understanding of Research or Clinical and Corporate governance and risk management systems and processes. Knowledge of grant applications and securing research funding. Knowledge or experience of research publications/oral/poster presentations

Skills and Abilities

Essential

Highly developed leadership, strategic thinking, and planning skills with the ability to demonstrate these in highly political environments Proven leadership skills in the management of change Demonstrable ability to use autonomy to undertake actions as a result of own interpretation of policy and guidance, providing a source of expert advice to the organisation Proven interpersonal skills to work with clinical and management colleagues at all levels across a range of organisations and the ability to develop strong working relationships with senior stakeholders External communications skills in a politically sensitive environment Ability to communicate highly complex, sensitive, or contentious information orally and in writing, both internally and externally, to a range of audiences. Extensive experience of delivering presentations to large groups of stakeholders in often pressured and politically sensitive environments to a high standard (Board level quality) Ability to analyse and interpret highly complex information to make judgements regarding a range of highly complex management issues Ability to grasp critical issues and distil then into clear arguments/ cases and be able to articulate these verbally or in written form Ability to plan, manage, adjust, and deliver complex projects involving multiple agencies and individuals and a broad range of activities to tight deadlines Ability to work independently Ability to understand the long term or widespread implications of decisions Willingness to challenge existing practice Good IT skills, particularly in use of Web applications and MS Office applications Ability to communicate with clinical, academic and all levels of staff effectively

Equality and Diversity

Essential

Will consider the most effective way to promote equality of opportunity and good working relationships in employment and service delivery and has the ability to take actions which support and promote this agenda

Financial and Physical Resources

Essential

Previously responsible for a budget, involved in budget setting and working knowledge of financial processes.

Other Requirements

Essential

The post holder must demonstrate a positive commitment to uphold diversity and equality policies approved by the Trust Ability to travel to other locations as required. Determination, perseverance, and resilience. Flexibility, and the ability to handle a rapidly changing and ambiguous environment.

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