Temporary Operations Manager – Lead with Impact in World-Class Research & Innovation!
Length of assignment: 6x months (potential to extend/go permanent)
Location and working pattern: Hybrid working 4x days a week onsite in Central London
Hourly pay: up to £42 per hour
Are you a dynamic and strategic leader ready to shape the future of a world-renowned research institute? This is your chance to step into a pivotal leadership role where science, education, and innovation meet!
We’re on the lookout for a temporary Operations Manager to drive excellence across all operational, technical, and administrative functions at a leading life sciences institute. You’ll be the engine behind high-impact research and transformative discovery – ensuring everything runs smoothly, efficiently, and boldly into the future.
💼 What You’ll Be Doing:
- Leading professional services and operations across two state-of-the-art sites, supporting cutting-edge research, education, and enterprise.
- Working hand-in-hand with the Institute Director to deliver strategic goals and optimise performance.
- Managing budgets, resources, and people – up to 30 staff – to ensure financial and operational sustainability.
- Overseeing estates, facilities, governance, compliance, and safety across the board.
- Championing digital strategy, external relations, business continuity, and risk planning.
- Collaborating with top scientists, government bodies, funders, and commercial partners.
- Driving change and continuous improvement through innovation and effective leadership.
🔍 Key Responsibilities Include:
- Financial and strategic planning across multiple funding frameworks.
- HR leadership, talent development, and team empowerment.
- Health & safety, estates management, and compliance oversight.
- Supporting research excellence through funding applications, grant management, and REF coordination.
- Leading on governance and key committee engagement – from Equality, Diversity & Inclusion to Risk, Wellbeing, and Sustainability.
🧑🤝🧑 Who You Are:
You’re a proactive, confident leader with proven experience managing complex operations in research, academic, or a scientific environment. You thrive in fast-paced settings, are deeply collaborative, and bring a solution-focused mindset to everything you do. You’re also a brilliant communicator who’s passionate about building high-performing teams.
🚀 What’s On Offer:
- A potential try before you commit opportunity! There will be a chance to be extended or even go permanent in this role.
- A unique opportunity to shape the operational future of a globally recognised research hub.
- Autonomy, impact, and the chance to work alongside world-class scientific and academic leaders.
- A collaborative culture committed to excellence, inclusion, and innovation.
