National Workforce Programmes Lead

Do you want to be part of a national network supporting the delivery of health and care research across England? Would you like to undertake the delivery of strategic workforce programmes? Do you have experience of workforce development? 

You will be responsible for leading the delivery of key national workforce programmes, ensuring alignment across programmes and with initiatives across the RDN. You will ensure oversight and effective delivery of key offers relating to the RDN strategic plan and work in partnership across the Workforce and Organisational Development function to maintain successful and sustainable programmes in support of research delivery workforce.

You will proactively develop a profile within the RDNCC and work collaboratively with individuals and groups both across the RDN and the University of Leeds, and with external stakeholders in a host of settings. Working with your Director and Head of function, you will support organisational change to ensure the network functions as a single organisation with a shared purpose and vision across England, providing support to colleagues and managing your own team in a positive and flexible way. 

This role will be based in the RDNCC office on Queen Street, Leeds. We work in a hybrid way with an expectation that all RDNCC staff spend at least 40% of their time office based for the benefit of all staff to ensure collaboration and positive working relationships. We are also open to discussing other flexible working arrangements. 

The University of Leeds hosts the RDNCC which means that all RDNCC staff are employees of the University.

This role requires regular national travel (on average twice a month). Occasional overnight stays are also required (on average twice a quarter).

What we offer in return

26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) - That’s 42 days a year!

Generous pension scheme plus life assurance - the University contributes 14.5% of salary

Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.

Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.

All Faculty of Medicine and Health staff are entitled to ten days staff development per year (pro rata). Please speak to your line manager about how you can utilise these.

Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

If you are looking for a role that will provide you with an exciting opportunity to manage the delivery of the five-year NIHR RDN strategy for workforce programmes, whilst working alongside enthusiastic and supportive colleagues, apply today.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Jess Radcliffe Craggs, Head of Research Delivery Workforce Development

Email: [email protected] 

Application process

As part of the RDNCC’s commitment to inclusion and equity of opportunity, our shortlisting stage is undertaken with names removed from job applications. Please do not include identifiable information in uploaded documents, file names or free text fields (e.g., names, photos, contact details) other than those specifically requested in the personal details section of the application form.

Closing Date: 18 Jan 2026

Section: Professional & Managerial

Salary: £51,753 to £59,966