[Hiring] Deputy Director of Approvals @Health Research Authority

Role Description

The Health Research Authority (HRA) is seeking an outstanding senior leader to join our Executive Committee as Deputy Director of Approvals. Working closely with the Director of Approvals, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for key regulatory services, including Research Ethics Committees (REC) and the Confidentiality Advisory Group (CAG). You will lead work to coordinate and standardise regulatory practice across the UK, drive improvement and transformation, and contribute to strategic decision-making and organisational performance.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and shape strategic direction, ensuring delivery of high-quality regulatory functions and associated services.
• Drive service improvement, innovation, and transformation across the approvals landscape, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and user experience.
• Oversee operational performance, business planning, workforce planning, risk management, and financial performance across a large and complex directorate.
• Act as deputy to the Director of Approvals, providing leadership and decision-making across the full scope of the directorate when required.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with government departments, regulators, NHS organisations, researchers, universities, industry, and other partners across the research system.
• Lead major programmes and projects that support the HRA's strategic objectives and improve the research environment across the UK.
• Provide expert leadership on research regulation, research ethics, and related policy development.
• Lead and inspire a large, diverse workforce and volunteer community, fostering a culture of inclusion, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experienced leader with vision and a strong track record of delivery.
• Able to lead complex services and influence across organisational boundaries.
• Understanding of the research environment and its regulation.
• Committed to continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Supportive and inclusive working environment.
• Flexible working arrangements, including home-based and hybrid options.
• Commitment to personal development and professional growth.
• Promotion of a healthy workplace culture.
• Encouragement of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Important Information

• We are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement as we do not hold a sponsorship licence.
• Applications requiring sponsorship will not be considered.
• Only the information provided in the application form will be considered; CVs will not be reviewed.
• The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications.
• Reasonable adjustments to the interview process can be made upon request for candidates with a disability.