Director of Operations

Applications are invited for a Director of Operations to join the Directorate Department at Quadram Institute Bioscience, based in Norwich, UK.

Background: 

Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) was established with a clear vision — to understand how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Today, QIB is entering a new and exciting phase of growth. Our focus is now defined through our impact-driven framework, Healthy Living by Design, which aims to promote lifelong health by decoding the complex relationships between food, nutrition, microbes, microbiomes, and human biology — and translating this into practical, innovative solutions in partnership with clinicians, industry, and policy leaders.

QIB’s research responds directly to the UK’s most pressing challenges:

• Rising rates of obesity and diet-related disease
• Increasing pressures on food systems from climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and global supply-chain fragility

QIB, the research institute, operates as part of the broader Quadram Institute (QI), a partnership that manages the building, the clinical research facility and the biorepository. QIB, in close collaboration with University of East Anglia, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), brings together scientists and clinicians within a state-of-the-art facility on the Norwich Research Park. This co-location enables integration of fundamental research, clinical translation, and innovation.

This is a really exciting time to join the institute following the recent appointment of Prof Daniel Figeys as Director. Reporting to the Director, the Director of Operations is responsible for the design, operation and delivery of QIB/QI operations and scientific services. The post holder will work closely with the Director and the QIB/QI Management Boards to deliver the operational strategy which is critical to the success of the Institute. 

The role: 

The Director of Operations is a key member of the leadership team and will lead a range of management activities supporting the delivery of our scientific vision.

Leading, coordinating and ensuring efficient delivery of the operational activities are key requirements of this role. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the Institute. With experience in Facilities Management, Lab Management, and Health and Safety, they will be used to operating in a complex environment with multiple stakeholders.  

The ideal candidate:

The Director of Operations will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the Institute. With experience in Facilities Management, Lab Management, and Health and Safety, they will be used to operating in a complex environment with multiple stakeholders.  The ability to manage a substantial and varied workload, deliver projects, negotiate, and resolve problems, will be needed to ensure success in this role. 

The successful candidate will have knowledge and understanding of scientific research and senior leadership experience in a relevant setting. The post holder will have demonstrable ability to manage, support and motivate teams ensuring the highest levels of performance are achieved. 

Additional information: 

To view our recruitment pack click here.

This role is based in Norwich, Norfolk. A competitive remuneration and benefits package is available commensurate with the successful applicant’s experience. This is a full-time post for an indefinite period. 

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website via the 'Apply' button above or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1006109. 

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.  Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options. 

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all sectors of society. The institute values of People-Centred Impact, Inclusive Excellence, Trusted Integrity, Collaborative Spirit and Agile Innovation are at the heart of all we do, and we expect all employees to share and display these values. To support our commitment, we have a range of family, faith and diversity friendly working arrangements to help all staff achieve excellence in their area of work. 

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. 

About the Quadram Institute: 

The Quadram Institute is an interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to understanding how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Our vision is Healthy living by design: promoting lifelong health by decoding the interactions between food science, nutrition, microbes, microbiomes and human physiology, and transforming this knowledge into innovative solutions for society. 

A partnership between Quadram Institute Bioscience, the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and BBSRC, The Quadram Institute brings together scientists and clinicians in a state-of-the-art building on the Norwich Research Park. This is one of Europe’s largest centres of life sciences and home of the John Innes Centre and The Earlham Institute. (https://quadram.ac.uk/). 

The closing date for applications will be 4 June 2026. 

The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.