Business Manager NIHR Leeds BRC (XN06)

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be responsible for the development, implementation and day to day management of all business systems and processes that facilitate the effective running of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (Leeds BRC). The post holder will also be responsible for providing business support to Leeds BRC Senior Management.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) in partnership with the University of Leeds (UoL) has been awarded a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) with funding of £19.8million for five years. This exciting investment in translational medicine represents a threefold increase in our previous funding and provides a unique opportunity to drive research which makes a difference to the health and wealth of the United Kingdom, but also to our local community. Building on our existing strength in musculoskeletal disease and engagement with patients and the public who are at the heart of all our activities, the new NIHR Leeds BRC now includes research in surgical technologies, haematology (with the University of York), cardiometabolic disease, pathology, and antimicrobial resistance.

Our vision is to improve health and wellbeing by accelerating diagnosis, enabling early treatment that is personalised for each patient and, where possible, prevent disease and infection. It builds on Leeds sustained excellence in translational research and industry partnership in musculoskeletal disease (MSKD), heart disease, cancer and infection. It is driven by the need to address the grand challenges of an ageing, multi-morbid population (which underpins our research themes):

1. Musculoskeletal Disease: will identify people at-risk of developing rheumatoid and other forms of arthritis to: prevent them from developing these conditions; and develop individually targeted, cost-effective treatments for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

2. Cardiometabolic Disease: will discover new principles for detecting and treating heart disease, particularly in terms of complications from diabetes.

3. Surgical Technologies: will develop and apply new surgical technologies to: provide more precise surgery that is tailored to the biology of the underlying disease; improve healing of bone and soft tissues; and limit disability following orthopaedic surgery.

4. Haematology: will identify the determinants of poor outcomes, enabling development of personalised-treatment strategies for blood-related cancers.

5. Pathology: using AI and screening advances, we will improve the accuracy and speed of bowel diagnosis, enabling early and more effective treatment.

6. Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection: will accurately identify patients at risk of antibiotic resistant infections; ensure our existing antibiotics are working; and develop new infection treatments.

Working effectively and proactively with agreed internal and external stakeholders and collaborative partners, the individual will adhere to agreed processes and comply with all relevant data protection and legal requirements when reporting to international, national and local governing bodies for projects.

The post holder will have excellent IT skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. The post holder should be enthusiastic, and possess excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills. Working autonomously, using own initiative as well as possessing strong team working skills and an ability to motivate staff is essential.

3. JOB DIMENSIONS

The post holder will be responsible for defining, developing and managing organisational systems and processes to ensure the efficient running of the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre and the delivery of its programmes of work. This will also include the development of a key working relationship with Research and Innovation senior management team.

The post holder will be required to work alongside academic and industry partners, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) Yorkshire and Humber (Y&H), Northern Biomedical Research Centres and colleagues in neighbouring establishments, attending regional and national meetings to represent the Trust as required.

4. ORGANISATIONAL CHART

The Biomedical Research Centre is a multifaceted and diverse team with the need for strong, collaborative, partnership working. Whilst you will have a lead employer, you will also report into the BRC Director (or nominee). Objective setting and annual appraisal, whilst aligned to the employing organisations policy, will be jointly undertaken, with objectives agreed by representatives of both organisations.

5. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

The post-holder will be educated to degree level or equivalent, or be able to demonstrate relevant experience commensurate with this post. They would be expected to have experience of working in an organisation which includes interaction with multiple departments or organisations. Excellent communication skills and the ability to provide and receive complex information in relation to study design are essential for this role. Excellent organisational, negotiation and presentation skills are essential, as well as the ability to work on their own initiative and as a team player.

Essential Skills Include:

Relevant degree or equivalent

Evidence of advanced IT skills/training - the ability to use spreadsheets,

Information Governance Education Recognition Award or be willing to undertake training.

Knowledge of medical terminology.

The ability to manage own workload.

Excellent organisational and communication skills are required.

Experience of dealing with highly complex situations

Experience of providing and receiving highly complex information

The ability to work effectively under pressure and maintain a professional attitude.

9. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Business Management

Responsible for defining, developing and implementing business policies that impact on the delivery of the NIHR Leeds BRC

Responsible for organising team and business meetings

Responsible for writing elements of the Annual Report.

Develop and maintain general elements of the NIHR Leeds BRC Risk Register and Business Continuity Plan

Responsible for the operational development and maintenance of a range of information systems to support efficient business processes across NIHR Leeds BRC Themes

Financial Management

Delegated responsibility for the management of the NIHR Leeds BRC running costs budget

Authorised signatory for expenditure against the running costs budget within the limits agreed for the post

Responsible for reconciling monthly running Costs budget reports, highlighting areas of concern and proposing and implementing remedial action as appropriate

Responsible for analysing and interpreting complex finance and performance data/information and presenting this in a range of formats to a variety of audiences

Responsible for the preparation, support and development diverse of business case(s)/funding requests and grant applications, requiring qualitative assessments to ensure compliance with a range of performance metrics/targets.

Procurement

Responsible for the procurement and maintenance of all NIHR Leeds BRC assets (e.g. furniture and office equipment)

Responsible for ensuring that all procurement is in line with the policies and procedures of LTHT and advising Senior Managers as required.

Project Management

Responsible for project managing any office reconfiguration and expansion into additional office space. This will involve co-ordinating the services of building contractors, IT contractors, space planners and removal contractors.

Staff Management

Line management, including all associated line management responsibilities (interviewing, staff appraisal, objective setting, developing personal development plans, grievance procedures, attendance management issues)

Human Resources

Managing and co-ordinating staff appraisal process and staff training plans

Recruitment

Managing the recruitment process

Managing the maintenance and organisation of personnel records.

Communication

Developing and implementing business policies, some of which will change existing practice. Occasionally new policies could potentially be highly emotive and elicit a strong reaction. In situations where polices fall into this category, the post holder will require highly developed communication and interpersonal skills in order to implement the policies and ensure that they are understood and accepted

Dealing effectively with a range of individuals and stakeholders at all levels, both internal and external

Handling complex queries and complaints on the telephone, by email and in person

Handling sensitive information

Writing reports and working papers as required

Professional Development

Complete Mandatory and Priority training within the specified timescales

To maintain a high level of knowledge concerning clinical research in all the areas covered by the network.

To develop and maintain appropriate information technology skills if necessary by attendance at formal training courses.

This is not an exhaustive list of roles and responsibilities and may be subject to change with professional and service developments

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent, or be able to demonstrate relevant experience commensurate with this post.
• Project management/Business administration qualification

Experience

Essential

• Experience within a research setting
• Experience of project management
• Experience of staff supervision

Skills & Behaviours

Essential

• Evidence of working in an organisation which includes interaction with multiple departments or organisations
• Professional attitude to work, diplomatic and calm under pressure.
• Ability to work as a team in a busy working environment or autonomously and use own initiative
• Strong interpersonal skills, motivated, friendly personality
• Effective organisational skills and able to prioritise and manage time effectively

Practical Skills or Additional Requirements

Essential

• Working knowledge of and experience in the effective use of Microsoft Office software
• Effective communication skills, able to communicate at all levels and ability to provide and receive highly complex information in relation to study design

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

Chapel Allerton Hospital

Chapeltown Road

Leeds

LS7 4SA

Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)