Project and Innovation Manager(UK Sponsorship)
Job Description
Role Overview
Henley Business School at the University of Reading is recruiting a Project and Innovation Manager to support the delivery of a major NIHR and Orthopaedics Research UK funded initiative: RMD-Health (NIHR206473).
This project focuses on developing and validating a machine-learning-enabled clinical decision support system designed to improve early detection and referral of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) within NHS care pathways.
The role provides operational leadership across a complex, multi-site research and innovation programme involving NHS Trusts, academic teams, clinicians, and industry stakeholders.
 general UK research and healthcare context
Project Context
You will join the Informatics Research Centre (IRC), part of the Department of Digitalisation, Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Henley Business School. The project is delivered in collaboration with:
- Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Additional NHS and research partners
Patient and public involvement (PPI) contributors
The role is central to ensuring smooth coordination between clinical environments, academic researchers, and innovation stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Management & Delivery
- Lead day-to-day coordination of the RMD-Health project
Maintain detailed project plans, timelines, and risk management systems
Track milestones and ensure compliance with NIHR reporting requirements
Produce progress updates and reports for funders and internal stakeholders
Identify delivery risks and implement mitigation strategies
 UK project governance standards
2. Multi-Site Coordination
- Coordinate activities across NHS Trusts and partner organisations
Build strong working relationships with clinicians, researchers, and governance teams
Support cross-site communication and alignment of project activities
Ensure smooth collaboration between academic and healthcare environments
3. Ethics, Governance & Compliance
- Support preparation and updates of ethics submissions (IRAS/HRA)
Liaise with NHS Research & Development offices for approvals and compliance
Maintain regulatory documentation across all participating sites
Support requirements related to AI in healthcare and medical device regulation
4. Pilot & Clinical Implementation Support
- Coordinate NHS-based pilot studies within rheumatology referral pathways
Organise site initiation and onboarding activities
Work with clinical and IT teams to integrate systems into NHS workflows
Monitor operational issues and escalate where necessary
NHS digital transformation guidance
5. Innovation & Market Development
- Conduct stakeholder and market analysis to support adoption pathways
Engage with NHS leaders, industry partners, and policy stakeholders
Contribute to national and international engagement activities (including travel where required)
Support innovation programmes such as ICURe or equivalent schemes
Help define value propositions for future NHS and global deployment
 UK innovation support frameworks
Candidate Requirements
Essential Skills & Experience
- Experience in project or programme management within research, healthcare, or innovation environments
Strong ability to manage multiple stakeholders across organisations
Understanding of healthcare systems, ideally within NHS contexts
Experience supporting governance, ethics, or regulatory processes
Strong organisational, analytical, and communication skills
Ability to work independently and manage complex delivery timelines
 qualification and role level context
Working Environment
This role sits within an interdisciplinary research environment combining digital innovation, healthcare systems, and applied machine learning. You will work closely with clinicians, data scientists, and academic researchers to translate research into real-world healthcare impact.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The University of Reading promotes inclusive working practices and supports equality initiatives such as Athena SWAN, the Race Equality Charter, and LGBT+ inclusion frameworks.
Flexible working arrangements may be considered depending on project requirements.
Visa & Sponsorship Information
This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship depending on UK Home Office criteria and SOC code alignment. Applicants should confirm eligibility before applying.
Summary
This Project and Innovation Manager role offers the opportunity to lead a high-impact healthcare innovation programme combining machine learning, clinical research, and NHS implementation. The position sits at the intersection of digital health, research management, and real-world healthcare transformation.
