Executive Director NIHR Research Delivery Network

Are you a visionary leader ready to shape the future of health and care research in England? The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Delivery Network (RDN) is seeking its next Executive Director to drive strategic direction and ensure operational excellence in research delivery across the health and care system.

As Executive Director you will act as the figurehead of the NIHR RDN and provide visible and expert leadership for research delivery staff across the health and care system in England. Employed by the University of Leeds, you will form part of the wider NIHR senior leadership team and NIHR Board, working closely with DHSC policy officials to implement government policy in priority areas through work highlighted in the 10 Year Health Plan and Life Sciences Sector Plan.

This significant national role demands exceptional leadership, visionary thinking, and the ability to drive transformative change in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. You will be responsible for a substantial budget, lead a high-performing executive team, and be a powerful advocate for a cohesive national approach to research delivery.

Key to your success will be a track record of running a large and complex organisation, operating and leading at Board level, and your extensive successful senior leadership of complex networks in government, the NHS, life sciences industry, social care, public health, or academia.  You will have a passion for research and its impact on patient care and health outcomes, experience of building and nurturing strong public and private sector partnerships, and demonstrable ability to work with health and care leaders and senior managers of research. As an excellent people manager who has led significant transformational change, you will have the drive and enthusiasm to deliver services and outcomes at pace, the ability to engage, inspire and influence at all levels, and  the commitment to provide strategic and operational excellence.

This role represents a rare and exciting opportunity to lead a national organisation at the forefront of shaping policy, driving innovation, and ensuring that the UK remains a global leader in health and care research delivery. 

The University of Leeds offers 26 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays and customary closure days, and a generous pension scheme that includes life assurance. As a member of the university community you will also have access to personal and professional development opportunities and many other benefits such as on-site childcare and discounted gym membership.

The University of Leeds has engaged the services of Dixon Walter, to whom applications should be sent.

To apply, please visit: https://www.dixonwalter.co.uk/opportunities/exec-director-nihr-rdn-leeds/.

For an informal and confidential conversation about the role, please contact Emma Wilkins at emma@dixonwalter.co.uk.

Closing date for applications is 5pm, Tuesday 13 January 2026.

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