Head of Operations - #2104638

Working closely with the Director and senior leadership team, the post-holder will oversee business operations, finance, governance, people management and strategic planning, enabling researchers and professional services colleagues to achieve ambitious objectives. This is a highly visible position requiring a commercially minded and collaborative leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational delivery.

Client Details

Our client is a prestigious, internationally recognised social science research centre based within a leading UK university.

Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the operational management of the research centre, ensuring efficient and effective business processes.
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the centre's long-term objectives.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, funding requirements and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Manage governance processes, reporting cycles and committee activities.
• Lead and develop professional services staff, fostering a high-performance and inclusive culture.
• Support grant management and research funding activities in collaboration with academic colleagues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across systems, processes and working practices.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including funding bodies, partners and collaborators.
• Identify operational risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Support strategic projects, organisational change initiatives and business planning activities.

Profile

Person Specification:

• Significant experience in a senior operational, business management or professional services leadership role.
• Experience of managing budgets, financial planning and resource management.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience of governance, compliance and risk management processes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.

• Experience within higher education, research institutes or grant-funded environments.

Job Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to research with significant societal impact.
• Influential leadership role within a high-profile and respected organisation.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating working environment.
• Exposure to internationally recognised academics and research networks.
• Broad remit with genuine opportunity to shape strategy and operations.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.