Director of Health Data Research

Director of Health Data Research

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, helping to unlock the value of one of the UK's largest real-world care datasets while shaping a high-growth revenue stream from the ground up.

The Company

They are a technology-enabled healthcare organisation delivering services at scale across the UK. Through significant investment in data, AI, and digital innovation, they have built a substantial real-world data capability that supports both operational decision-making and healthcare outcomes.

As part of their next phase of growth, they are establishing a dedicated Research Partnerships function focused on collaborating with pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, research organisations, and commercial partners. This role will play a central part in defining and expanding that proposition.

The Role

As Director of Research Partnerships, you will combine commercial strategy, data expertise, research knowledge, and operational delivery to build a new business vertical.

Key responsibilities include:

• 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 identify new partnership opportunities
• Work closely 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, helping shape long-term business strategy

Your Skills & Experience

You will bring a blend of commercial acumen, data expertise, and partnership-building capability.

Key requirements include:

• 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
• 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