Research Finance Policy Manager

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) provides a unique work environment for the most innovative and ambitious individuals. Funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the NIHR sits within the Science, Research and Evidence (SRE) directorate, which is the UK’s largest funder of health and care research. With a research budget that is in excess of £1billion per year, we are currently funding more than 120 research programmes and 2,000 research contracts, with the resulting outputs being used to enhance healthcare services and treatments. As such, it is imperative that we have the right financial policies in place to tackle complex health challenges – and it is here that you could make your mark on a high-achieving team.

Joining a team of seven Finance and Finance Policy professionals, you will be at the heart of the most interesting research finance policy challenges. Supporting the delivery of our overall finance strategy, you will be a trusted advisor to NIHR’s co-leads, Professor Chris Whitty and Dr Louise Wood, delivering accurate advice on NIHR’s financial status. Developing expertise on key areas affecting our research capabilities, you will shape policies on key issues including excess treatment costs and the optimum attribution of funding between research, NHS support costs and treatment costs. Taking the lead on high-profile finance policy areas such as COVID-19, the impact of NHS/HEI pension changes and the NHS Agenda for Change, you will build effective working relationships with our key research partners. This will include organisations such as NHSE/I, PHE, devolved administrations, public research funders and research charities, so the scope to learn within this role is immense.

To be equal to a challenge of this magnitude, you will be a Qualified CIMA or CCAB Accountant, with exceptional stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills. As you will be writing briefings and reports, you will be able to make effective decisions at pace, and convey your knowledge precisely. Committed to helping us drive improvements, you will be able to see the bigger picture at all times, and you will be a collaborative team-player who is willing to support finance training and mentoring for SRE staff. It would also be useful if you have a knowledge of central government and NHS or Higher Education financial systems. If you have an understanding of research funding systems, Official Development Assistance Funding, cost attribution and Excess Treatment Costs, that would also be useful. Crucially, you will be passionate about delivering a quality service that is responsive to customer needs.

With access to fascinating projects and a competitive benefits package, you will find a great work/life balance in our team, further complemented by flexible working options. So take on a truly career-defining opportunity, and support our ambitious plans to improve the health, wellbeing and wealth of the nation.

For more information, please contact Deputy Director of Research Systems, Dr Mark Toal (branch head) on mark.toal@dhsc.gov.uk or 07734 438 910 or current line manager of the role, Trudi Simmons on trudi.simmons@dhsc.gov.uk or 020 7210 3824.