Head of Strategy Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement
| Posting date: | 10 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 01 April 2026 |
| Location: | Leeds, West Yorkshire |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | University Of Leeds (Medicine) |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | MHNCC1716 |
Summary
Do you want to be part of a national network supporting the delivery of health and care research across England? Are you a strong leader? Do you have a track record of delivery?
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Delivery Network (RDN) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), to enable the health and care system to attract, optimise and deliver research across England. We do this as part of NIHR’s overall mission to improve the health and the wealth of the nation through research. The RDN covers the whole of England and consists of 12 Regional Research Delivery Networks (RRDNs) and a Coordinating Centre (RDNCC), working together as one.
The University of Leeds has been chosen by the UK government to lead the RDNCC, and we are seeking an experienced senior leader to head up our Strategy Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement function.
The individual will work in partnership with colleagues from across the RRDNs to monitor the delivery of the RDN Strategic Plan and deliver projects relevant to the plan. They will oversee the stakeholder engagement required to ensure the plan remains relevant to the health and care system, undertake operational planning and set the overall standards and direction for the Strategy Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement function within the Strategic Development Directorate.
You will be a proven leader with a track record of delivery, and will have specialist expertise, knowledge and professional credibility in delivery of health or care research. You will have demonstrable experience in working across multiple national stakeholder groups and demonstrable experience of monitoring, and reporting on, the impact of strategic plans or projects and developing action plans in response.
This role will be based in the RDNCC office on Queen Street, Leeds. We work in a hybrid way with an expectation that all RDNCC staff spend at least 40% of their time office. We are also open to discussing other flexible working arrangements.
Substantial national travel (including overnight stays) will be required.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Delivery Network (RDN) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), to enable the health and care system to attract, optimise and deliver research across England. We do this as part of NIHR’s overall mission to improve the health and the wealth of the nation through research. The RDN covers the whole of England and consists of 12 Regional Research Delivery Networks (RRDNs) and a Coordinating Centre (RDNCC), working together as one.
The University of Leeds has been chosen by the UK government to lead the RDNCC, and we are seeking an experienced senior leader to head up our Strategy Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement function.
The individual will work in partnership with colleagues from across the RRDNs to monitor the delivery of the RDN Strategic Plan and deliver projects relevant to the plan. They will oversee the stakeholder engagement required to ensure the plan remains relevant to the health and care system, undertake operational planning and set the overall standards and direction for the Strategy Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement function within the Strategic Development Directorate.
You will be a proven leader with a track record of delivery, and will have specialist expertise, knowledge and professional credibility in delivery of health or care research. You will have demonstrable experience in working across multiple national stakeholder groups and demonstrable experience of monitoring, and reporting on, the impact of strategic plans or projects and developing action plans in response.
This role will be based in the RDNCC office on Queen Street, Leeds. We work in a hybrid way with an expectation that all RDNCC staff spend at least 40% of their time office. We are also open to discussing other flexible working arrangements.
Substantial national travel (including overnight stays) will be required.