Chief Operating Officer - NIHR HealthTech Research Centres Network

at  Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has awarded £5 million over 5 years to fund a HealthTech Research Centres Network (the Network) hosted by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. The Network will provide coordination and leadership for the NIHR HealthTech Research Centres (HRCs), which are national centres supporting the development, evaluation and adoption of innovative health and care technology to support people to live healthier, better quality lives.
For more information on the Network please visit: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/news/nihr-awards-5m-for-a-healthtech-research-centre-network-to-provide-national-leadership-for-the-development-of-medical-devices-diagnostics-and-digital-technologies/36052
A unique opportunity has arisen for an ambitious, dynamic and transformational Chief Operating Officer, to lead the Network, aiming to transform UK HealthTech into a thriving ecosystem, harnessing and connecting NIHR’s 14 national HRCs to increase their impact via strategic collaboration, industry engagement and cross HRC coordination.
We are looking for a driven individual with a proven track record of success in large-scale operational management and delivery and excellent interpersonal skills, who will work with a senior leadership team and who will be responsible for successfully implementing the Network’s strategic initiatives and delivering impact.
This is a newly created senior position, in which the successful candidate will work at a national level.

Visible Leadership and Coordination: Oversee the strategic collaboration, industry engagement, cross HRC activities, workforce development, public involvement and marketing and communications across the 14 national centres.
Strategy formulation: Support the iteration of the Network Strategy in response to national policy and initiatives, Government direction and industry requirements.
Business Development: Using a collaborative approach, maintain a pipeline of current opportunities and keep track of market intelligence, ensuring that the Network is responsive to unmet needs of the health and care system, industry, patients and the public, as well as national priorities.
Relationship Management: Build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including NIHR, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), funding bodies, policy-makers, and industry leaders.
Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with senior stakeholders across the UK HealthTech innovation landscape and ensure consistent and valued engagement with the 14 HRCs. Build a culture of partnership and collaboration.
National Impact: Ensure the Network functions as an effective and influential entity, enabling the HRCs to collectively deliver more than the sum of their parts.
Support and Guidance: Provide proactive support for industry collaborations, strategic initiatives, and cross-HRC projects to drive life-changing research and innovation.
What you can expect from Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives.
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust is one of the largest and most successful healthcare employers in the UK. We offer fantastic development opportunities and there are always exciting initiatives for enthusiastic professionals. The city, England’s greenest, is vibrant and friendly, boasts two universities and is located on the edge of the Peak District.
Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.
When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.
This vacancy is advertised on a fixed term contract basis for a period of 5 years due to the post being externally funded. The fixed term contract status of the post holder will be reviewed in accordance with the Trust’s legal obligations regarding fixed term contracts taking into consideration the ongoing source of the external funding and the requirement for the post to be maintained.
Please also note any secondment must first be agreed with your current line manager