Job Description

Director of Research

London: Sarah Cannon Research Institute (UK)

Salary: Competitive with incentive bonus scheme

About Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI - UK)

Sarah Cannon Research Institute UK (SCRI) is a specialist research facility within HCA Healthcare UK, providing the infrastructure, governance, and operational expertise required to deliver clinical trials safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory standards. Working in partnership with medical, nursing, and pharmacy teams, SCRI helps expand patient access to innovative treatments and cutting-edge research opportunities, supporting the advancement of healthcare through clinical innovation.

As part of HCA Healthcare UK, SCRI shares a commitment to delivering exceptional patient care across our network of leading hospitals, outpatient centres, and specialist services. By combining world-class clinical expertise with innovation and advanced technology, HCA Healthcare UK provides outstanding care across a wide range of specialties, ensuring patients have access to the latest developments in treatment and research.

About the position

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Director of Research to lead the Sarah Cannon Research Institute and the newly established HCA Healthcare Research Institute (HRI). In this high-profile leadership role, you will drive the operational delivery of research and innovation across HCA Healthcare UK, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, governance and regulatory compliance.

Reporting to the CEO of the Harley Street Campus, you will be responsible for the strategic and operational performance of both research institutes, overseeing research infrastructure, contracts and partnerships, financial management, workforce planning and regulatory compliance.

Working closely with executive leaders and key stakeholders across Finance, Legal, Governance and Human Resources, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering HCA UK's research strategy, building a high-performing and sustainable research organisation that supports innovation and excellence in patient care.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Lead the overall strategic direction, operational performance, and growth of SCRI, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and compliant research services.
• Drive the development of HCA Healthcare Research Institute, establishing consistent standards, governance frameworks, and operational excellence across research and innovation activities.
• Identify and deliver opportunities for growth, innovation, and commercial development, strengthening SCRI's position as a leading clinical research organisation.
• Partner closely with medical, nursing, and pharmacy leaders to ensure the operational infrastructure supports the successful delivery and expansion of clinical trials.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, and healthcare partners to grow research activity, particularly within oncology, haematology, and theragnostic.
• Lead the negotiation and management of clinical trial agreements, sponsor and CRO contracts, partnership agreements, and third-party supplier contracts, working collaboratively with Legal and Business Development teams.
• Act as the CQC Registered Manager for SCRI, ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance, patient safety, and inspection readiness.
• Oversee the development and continuous improvement of research policies, governance frameworks, and standard operating procedures that support excellence in research delivery.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and collaboration across all research functions.
• Provide expert operational, financial, and regulatory advice to Executive Leadership, supporting strategic investment decisions, business cases, and key partnership opportunities.

Skills and experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent; a relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g. MBA, MSc in clinical research, healthcare management) is desirable.
• Substantial experience in clinical trials management or senior research operations - ideally within an independent or academic NHS trust or pharmaceutical/biotech environment.
• Experience of CQC registration and regulatory compliance, ideally including direct experience as, or working closely with, a Registered Manager.
• Strong track record of contract negotiation within a clinical research or healthcare setting.
• Experience of building, leading, and developing operational teams and structures at scale.