Head of Business and Operations (GAIL)

Full-time (35 hours per week)

Fixed-term (5 year contract)

We are looking for a senior management professional with a strong track record in financial and operational management to support our ambition to cement the University’s position as a global leader in the field of Generative AI and help us meet our ambitious business objectives.

The Opportunity:

The University has recently launched a bold initiative to galvanise our research talents, leadership and ambitions in the area of generative AI. The Generative AI Laboratory (GAIL) will push the forefront of research alongside delivering societal and economic impact through working closely with industry and advising policymakers on regulation and governance of AI. Rooted in the School of Informatics but working across the University, this ambitious initiative seeks to build on our world-leading position in generative AI and create a platform for developing strong local and global connections and ultimately to create new internationally significant opportunities supported by our funding partners.

As Head of Business & Operations - GAIL, you will be play a significant role in establishing and running GAIL, working in partnership with the academic Director of GAIL and the GAIL Executive Group to develop and implement strategic and operational plans to ensure continuity and success of GAIL.  You will have primary responsibility for the financial planning and management of GAIL, working in collaboration with existing college, school and professional services support structures to add value, capacity and resources to develop and capitalise on research and innovation growth opportunities, both internally and externally.

This is a pro-active role that will require the post holder to develop relationships with numerous colleagues as well as coordinate across departments to identify and pursue content opportunities from the activities taking place within the School and wider University.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week), however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

Your skills and attributes for success:

You should have substantial experience in operational and financial management, with demonstrable experience in developing strategic and operational plans.

• You will have strong commercial and technical expertise, and experience of financial management and reporting including experience with managing funding from multiple sources –and will ideally have familiarity and experience within the Higher Education funding, research and innovation landscape.
• You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to provide advice to a wide range of stakeholders. You will also have experience producing and delivering strategy within a complex organisation, with excellent leadership and influencing skills.
• You will have a high-level of initiative and be a confident self-starter with experience of working in a complex environment to collaborate and influence at all levels of seniority.
• An understanding of generative AI research and innovation opportunities is highly desirable; a genuine interest in generative AI is essential.

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