Job summary
- Main area
- Research
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 8b
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 391-RFL-7379847
- Employer
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Royal Free
- Town
- London
- Salary
- £72,921 - £83,362 per annum inclusive of HCAS
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 27/09/2025 23:59
- Interview date
- 27/10/2025
Employer heading

Band 8b CRF General Manager
NHS AfC: Band 8b
Our trust has over 17,000 staff serving 2 million patients every year. It comprises Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital, the Royal Free Hospital, North Middlesex University Hospital and more than 30 services in the community. This larger scale organisation provides an unprecedented opportunity for us to continue our pioneering work, particularly in finding ways to deliver even better care to our patients.
Our mission is to deliver world class care and expertise in our clinical services, underpinned by world class teaching and research and we will continue to measure our progress against our five governing objectives: excellent outcomes, excellent patient and staff experience, excellent value for taxpayers’ money, being safe and meeting our external duties, and building a strong organisation.
Everyone is welcome at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. We're proud of our diversity and we continue to undertake new initiatives to advance equality for LGBT+, BME, gender equality, staff carers and people with disabilities and lived experiences to promote good relations and understanding between our staff.
Click here to view our video Welcome to the Royal Free
Job overview
We are seeking an exceptional individual to take on the role of CRF General Manager to provide strong operational leadership to the Royal Free CRF.
The General Manager is responsible for the overall efficient and effective operation of the CRF including delivery of the CRF's early phase portfolio and facilitating a seamless service for users of the CRF from across the Trust.
Main duties of the job
Provide oversight and management of all clinical research projects from first contact with the CRF to completion, ensuring the smooth running of the trial and compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements. Ensure that studies are set up in a timely manner, relevant service support departments are consulted, costings are completed and within set timeframes.
Lead on workforce and financial planning for the CRF and ensure the provision of high quality operational support services. Oversight of the application process for researchers applying to use the CRF, and reviewing financial and operational implications of applications to use the CRF, liaising and negotiating with negotiators as necessary.
Working for our organisation
The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s biggest and most innovative trusts. Across three main hospitals, our dedicated army of staff care for over 1.6million patients, treat more than 200,000 in A&E, deliver over 8,000 babies and carry out more than 17million tests.
Our size, scale and influence offer you unrivalled career opportunities and a forward-thinking approach to working that works around your lifestyle. From flexible hours and generous benefits, to next level training, we make it easier to take your career to the top.
For more information please follow link https://www.royalfreelondonjobs.co.uk/
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached Job Description for more information about this role and working at royal free London NHS foundation Trust
Person specification
Knowledge & Qualifications
Essential criteria
- First level degree or equivalent experience
- Educated to Masters level or equivalent experience
- Management qualification or equivalent experience
- Up to date knowledge of governance and regulatory requirments of conducting clinical research including an understanding of the principles of ICH GCP
Desirable criteria
- Leadership Qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
- Extensive general management experience in NHS or equivalent healthcare or clinical research setting
- Experience in business and strategic planning and the interpretation of NHS and service policy to support proposals
- Experience of effective management of budget
- Relevant experience in change management
- Wide experience in developing successful business cases to support service plans and strategy
- Line management skills and experience
Desirable criteria
- Experience of the conduct, governance and regulation of clinical research in an NHS or industry setting
Communication
Essential criteria
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to handle complex, sensitive or contentious information during discussion with individual or groups
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Tim Meyer
- Job title
- CRF Director
- Email address
- [email protected]
List jobs with Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust in Administrative Services or all sectors