Overview

We are seeking an experienced and solutions-focused Clinical Operations Manager to lead the epilepsy clinical trials portfolio at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN). This is an opportunity for a motivated leader with strong operational, financial, and governance expertise to shape the future of epilepsy research across two internationally recognised sites.

Based across NHNN Queen Square (London) and the Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (Buckinghamshire), you will oversee study setup, trial delivery, and financial sustainability of both commercial and non-commercial trials, working closely with Principal Investigators, Senior Research Nurses, and the UCL/UCLH Joint Research Office. This is a strategic yet hands-on role where you will strengthen trial capacity, accelerate setup timelines, and ensure high-quality, compliant delivery. You will also line manage members of the research delivery team, supporting staff recruitment, development, and workload allocation. Acting as a key contact for investigators, sponsors, CROs, and regulators, you will represent UCLH as a leading site for epilepsy research.

The ideal candidate will combine leadership with problem-solving skills, thrive in collaboration, and be motivated to drive innovation in clinical research. You will ensure studies are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with GCP and regulatory requirements across both locations.

As Clinical Operations Manager, you will lead the delivery of a diverse portfolio of epilepsy clinical trials across NHNN Queen Square (London) and the Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (Buckinghamshire). You will take responsibility for driving trial set-up, monitoring progress, and ensuring studies are delivered safely, on time, and to the highest regulatory standards.

You will line manage research nurses and guide the wider research delivery team, supporting recruitment, training, and development to build a motivated and skilled workforce. A key part of your role will be strengthening collaboration with investigators, industry partners, and regulators, while ensuring the financial sustainability of the portfolio through accurate and timely income recovery.

This is a role for someone who thrives on leadership and problem-solving. Whether streamlining trial processes, guiding staff, or representing UCLH at national and industry forums, you will be central to advancing research that improves the lives of people with epilepsy.

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:

• University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
• National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
• University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
• Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
• University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
• The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
• University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street

We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women’s health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology. We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.

For further details / informal visits contact:

Name: Kat Saunders
Job title: Service Manager
Email: k.saunders14@nhs.net

Location

London, England, United Kingdom (NHNN Queen Square) and Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Buckinghamshire

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of a diverse portfolio of epilepsy clinical trials across NHNN Queen Square and the Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy.
• Drive trial set-up, monitor progress, and ensure studies are delivered safely, on time, and to the highest regulatory standards.
• Line manage the research delivery team, supporting recruitment, training, and development to build a motivated and skilled workforce.
• Strengthen collaboration with investigators, industry partners, and regulators while ensuring financial sustainability through accurate and timely income recovery.
• Represent UCLH as a leading site for epilepsy research and act as a key contact for investigators, sponsors, CROs, and regulators.

Qualifications

• Experience leading clinical operations within epilepsy or neurology trials and in complex trial settings.
• Strong operational, financial, and governance expertise with a track record of delivering trials to GCP and regulatory standards.
• Ability to lead, develop, and manage a research delivery team across two sites and foster cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

About UCLH

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is a leading NHS trust delivering academically led acute and specialist services to patients locally, nationally, and internationally. The trust is committed to delivering high-quality patient care, education, and research, with a focus on sustainability and net-zero ambitions.