Commercial Research Development Manager

Job summary The Commercial Research Development Manager will lead the establishment of a joint commercial research function spanning mental health, community health and integrated care settings across Kent and Medway, serving a combined population of 1.9 million people. This is an exciting new post sitting at the heart of a pioneering partnership between Kent and Medway Mental Health Trust (KMMH) and Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) the Kent Life Sciences Partnership. This post is the cornerstone of a strategic 3-5 year transformation programme to position Kent and Medway as a leading commercial research partner for the life sciences industry. The post holder will develop and operationalise the infrastructure, relationships and workforce capability needed to attract and deliver commercial clinical trials at scale, generating sustainable income for both organisations and expanding research access for patients across the region. Working under the oversight of the KMMH Research Development Lead (KMMH) and Head of Research (KCHFT), the post holder will provide visible leadership across both organisations, manage complex multi-stakeholder relationships with industry partners and academic collaborators, and ensure all commercial research activity is delivered to the highest standards of quality and governance. Main duties of the job o Lead the development and operationalisation of the Kent Life Sciences Partnership's commercial research strategy, positioning KMMH and KCHFT as a competitive, integrated commercial research partner for the life sciences industry. o Actively engage pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers and contract research organisations (CROs) to identify and bid for commercial trial opportunities, leveraging existing industry relationships and developing new ones. o Ensure all commercial research activity complies with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), UK Clinical Trials Regulations, UK Policy Framework for Health and Care Research and all relevant regulatory requirements. o Work toward opening at least 1 commercial study across mental health and community settings, demonstrating partnership capability as Phase 1 proof of concept. About us We are Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. We care for the mental health and wellbeing of people across Kent and Medway and are rated 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Our teams support children, young people and adults with a wide range of mental health needs. We also provide specialist services, including all-age eating disorder services and neurodevelopmental assessments for children and young people, such as autism and ADHD. Because we work across the whole county and across hospital and community settings, we can make care more joined up and easier to access for the people we serve. Our vision is simple: we are here to help communities not just live with mental illness, but live well. It's why we're passionate about working with communities to make mental health care better for everyone. Everything we do is guided by our values: caring, inclusive, curious and confident. Join us if you share our passion for better mental health care and want to be part of a team that's working well together. Details Date posted 13 August 2026 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum pro rata Contract Fixed term Duration 6 months Working pattern Part-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working Reference number 380-SS0823 Job locations Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust Beach House Maidstone ME16 9PH United Kingdom Job description Job responsibilities Please see the attached Job Description for further details of the role and requirements. We are serious about diversity and inclusion, and we are working hard to build this into our DNA. We warmly welcome applications for any of our roles from people from diverse backgrounds, and we are proactively encouraging applications from under-represented communities for our more senior roles, like this one. Job responsibilities Please see the attached Job Description for further details of the role and requirements. We are serious about diversity and inclusion, and we are working hard to build this into our DNA. We warmly welcome applications for any of our roles from people from diverse backgrounds, and we are proactively encouraging applications from under-represented communities for our more senior roles, like this one.