Director of Health Data Research

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to build and scale a new commercial research function at the intersection of healthcare, data, AI and life sciences. You will lead the development of strategic research partnerships, unlocking the value of one of the UK's largest real‑world care datasets while creating a high‑growth revenue stream from the ground up.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and grow a network of research, pharmaceutical, healthcare and commercial partners.
• Identify opportunities to leverage real‑world healthcare data within clinical trials, research programmes and evidence‑generation initiatives.
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders across life‑sciences, healthcare and research organisations.
• Translate complex datasets and analytical capabilities into compelling commercial propositions.
• Lead the design, negotiation and delivery of strategic partnerships.
• Oversee the commercialisation of data‑driven offerings for life‑sciences and healthcare markets.
• Navigate regulatory and market considerations to uncover new partnership opportunities.
• Collaborate with data, product, operations and leadership teams to bring research programmes to life.
• Lead and develop a small Research Partnerships team, including specialist programme and research professionals.
• Drive the growth of a significant new revenue stream and shape long‑term business strategy.

Required profile

• Strong experience developing strategic partnerships within healthcare, life sciences, research or data‑led environments.
• Ability to understand, interrogate and communicate complex data to commercial and non‑technical audiences.
• Knowledge of real‑world data, clinical research, clinical trials, healthcare analytics or evidence‑generation programmes.
• Experience working with pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, research institutions, CROs or related organisations.
• Commercial experience identifying, developing and scaling new revenue opportunities.
• Understanding of operational research, healthcare innovation or applied analytics.
• Proven ability to lead partnership negotiations and manage complex stakeholder relationships.
• Experience leading and developing high‑performing teams.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build new functions, propositions or business lines.