Business and Operations Manager
The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (CSCI) and the Department of Haematology are world-leading academic research institutions, home to outstanding scientists and clinicians working at the forefront of stem cell biology, regenerative medicine and blood disease.
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Business and Operations Manager to provide senior strategic and operational leadership across the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (CSCI) and the Department of Haematology, and to lead the professional services and facilities teams based in the Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre (JCBC).
Reporting to the Director of CSCI and the Head of the Department of Haematology, you will support them in achieving their strategic aims for governance, policy and business operations in support of teaching and research. You will manage a research grant and external income portfolio of over £120m, with an annual turnover of over £20m, and lead a professional services team of 63 staff, with 12 direct reports.
About the role
As Business and Operations Manager, you will advise the Director and Head of Department on overall strategy and support the planning and implementation of new developments. You will oversee the delivery of business, administration and services across both organisations, striving for continuous improvement. With a reporting line to the Head of General Division in the School Office, you will also have the opportunity to contribute to School-wide developments through project and functional area management, where workload permits.
Key responsibilities include
Advising and assisting the Director and Head of Department on strategic development and the sustainable management of the Institute and Department.
Leading the joint Institute and Department professional services administration team (25 staff), supporting research programmes, over 90 postgraduate students including a recently started Masters course.
Leading the Core Research Facilities teams (24 staff), covering Scientific Operations Management, Advanced Microscopy, Histology, Genomics, Cell Culture, and Bioinformatics.
Leading the JCBC Building Services Team, ensuring the day-to-day running, maintenance and safety of an 18,000m² state-of-the-art research facility that also houses CITIID and the Milner Therapeutics Institute.
Leading and coordinating support (HR, Contracts, H & S, etc) for Department of Haematology staff outside of JCBC.
Ensuring effective governance, financial planning, and the management and monitoring of research grants and external income.
Working with academic colleagues and the School to deliver learning, teaching and examinations, including the undergraduate medical curriculum and postgraduate provision.
Leading change and business improvement projects, overseeing communications and external affairs, supporting fundraising and the implementation of Enhanced Financial Transparency (EFT).
Ensuring a safe and secure working environment and overseeing regulatory inspections and audits (for example HSE and HTA).
About you
You will be a senior administrator with demonstrable experience of leading and managing large teams of support staff for quality results, and of delivering strategic planning and change at a tactical and operational level, together with a track record of supporting and developing staff. You will bring strong planning and relationship-building skills, and the ability to communicate persuasively and effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation. Significant experience and knowledge of the UK Higher Education sector, particularly the delivery of Life Sciences, is desirable.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a security check.
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Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Please quote reference RA51381 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
