Business & Operations Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and highly motivated professional to join us as Business & Operations Manager. This is a senior wide-ranging leadership role with responsibility for the effective and strategic delivery of all non-academic operations within the Institute, advising and supporting the Director and Group Leaders in achieving the Institute's long-term research and organisational objectives. We are looking for someone who can operate with confidence at both strategic and operational levels. 

The Sainsbury Laboratory (SLCU) is an internationally recognised research institute dedicated to fundamental studies in quantitative plant developmental biology. Our researchers tackle some of the most important biological questions of our time and behind every scientific advance is an exceptional professional support team. The Institute is a welcoming, inclusive community of around 160 people. As part of the School of Biological Sciences, it fosters a vibrant, highly collaborative research environment. 

The Business & Operations Manager is responsible for the leadership and management of all professional services across the Institute (about 40 staff), including finance, HR, IT, building and facilities, events, communications, compliance and health & safety to ensure these functions operate effectively, efficiently and in compliance with University, funders and other regulatory requirements, and that professional support evolves in line with the needs of our research-intensive environment.  They will work in close collaboration with other departments, the School Office and with colleagues across the University's central administration. 

The role holder oversees a portfolio of approximately 50 active grants worth approximately £60 million, within an institute that receives no University (Chest) funding and relies exclusively on external income for its operations, primarily from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation. This funding model brings its own fiduciary and strategic responsibilities. These include a major role in managing expectations of our key financial contributor, as well as supporting and coordinating the Institute's five yearly evaluation.  This international peer-review process evaluates the Institute's scientific and core overall performance and is central to maintaining its next five-year Gatsby funding. 

We are looking for someone with substantial experience of administration or operations management at a senior level within a complex organisation, together with a proven track record of leading a large support team and delivering operational strategy and change. Experience of financial management, business planning and working with complex funding streams is required. Excellent judgement, communication, organisational and interpersonal skills are also essential, along with the ability to advise and influence senior stakeholders. Experience within UK Higher Education and knowledge of the research funding landscape would be advantageous. 

Educated to degree level or with equivalent experience, the successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the aims and objectives of a research-intensive scientific environment and the ability to contribute effectively to its collegial and collaborative culture. 

Applications should include a CV including the names of three referees and a cover letter that clearly demonstrates how you meet the criteria required for the role. 

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2031 in the first instance. 

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BME background as they are currently under-represented at the University. 

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