Chief of Staff and Head of Executive Operations

Francis Crick Institute; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biomedical research institute in the UK is seeking a Chief of Staff and Head of Executive Operations. This pivotal role demands a balance of strategic insight and operational rigor while overseeing multiple projects. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in executive operations, strong communication skills, and leadership experience. The role offers hybrid working with a competitive salary plus benefits.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Health & Well-being support

Discounted gym memberships

Childcare support allowance

Subsidised on-site restaurant

Qualifications

• Proven track record in executive operations, program management or strategic coordination within complex organisations.
• Substantial leadership and management experience in a senior operational or strategic role.
• Strong management, organisational, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee communication and collaboration across the executive function.
• Coordinate major institute-wide projects and governance processes.
• Lead the Research Management Support (RMS) team.

Skills

Succession Planning

Growing Experience

Expense Management

Management Experience

Rackspace

Laboratory Management

Senior Leadership

Operations Management

Job description

Salary for this Role

From 100000 plus benefits subject to skills and experience

Job Title

Chief of Staff and Head of Executive Operations

Reports to

Claire Hook

Closing Date

09 / Nov / 2025 23.59 GMT

Job Description

Hybrid working: This role follows a hybrid pattern with four days in the office and one day working from home each week.

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europes largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer heart disease infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure cutting-edge facilities and a creative and curious culture. Weve removed traditional boundaries of departments divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

We're seeking a Chief of Staff and Head of Executive Operations (internally this role will be referred to as Head of Executive Operations) to act as a trusted adviser and strategic partner to the COO and Executive. This pivotal role you will oversee communication collaboration and alignment across the executive function ensuring priorities are delivered efficiently and effectively.

This is a high-profile position overseeing multiple workstreams and major institutional projects coordinating people and processes to achieve seamless delivery.

A key focus will be coordinating major institute-wide projects and governance processes including the Cricks Septennial Review in 2028 a critical exercise determining future funding and the annual Scientific Advisory Board meeting which brings together leading international researchers to advise the Cricks Director on strategy.

You will also lead the Research Management Support (RMS) team who provide strategic and operational support to the Cricks senior scientific leadership.

The role requires a balance of strategic insight operational rigour and strong organisational skills. Youll thrive on enabling others managing multiple priorities and ensuring complex programmes are delivered to the highest standard. Success will depend on your ability to anticipate needs think critically and provide practical solutions while demonstrating professionalism discretion and a strong alignment with the Cricks mission and values.

About You

You will be a highly organised and experienced professional with a proven track record in executive operations programme management or strategic coordination within complex organisations such as research higher education health or the wider not-for-profit sector. A background in scientific research or academia is an advantage but not essential and we welcome applications from candidates with experience in large multi-stakeholder or mission-driven organisations where coordinating priorities delivering outcomes and influencing senior teams are key.

Substantial leadership and management experience in a senior operational or strategic role.

Demonstrated experience in supporting cross-functional teams managing complex projects and working with executive-level stakeholders.

Strong management organisational and project management skills with a proven track record of driving projects to completion.

Strongly collaborative and inclusive style with ability to build strong relationships across the organisation and lead through influence.

Confident in interacting with colleagues at the highest levels of the Institute displaying gravitas and able to offer advice guidance and challenge where necessary.

First class oral communication skills with the ability to present clearly to diverse audiences.

High level of integrity with the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information discreetly.

See the full job description here

About Working at the Crick

Our values

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Cricks mission and shaping our culture!

We are bold . We make space for creative dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. Were not afraid to do things differently.

We are open . Were highly collaborative and interactive and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.

We are collegial . We show respect for one another work cooperatively and support the wider community.

At the Francis Crick Institute we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued respected and empowered to succeed regardless of their background identity or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders ethnicities abilities and experiences. Weare a Disability Confident : Committed employer andwant to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and sowellmake reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply.

If you need assistance with applying (i.e. would like to apply by phone or post)please email :

Find out more about life at the Crick.

What will you receive

Visas : Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK

Generous Leave : 28 days of annual leave plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.

Pension Scheme : Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.

Health & Well-being :

24 / 7 GP consultation services.

Occupational health services and mental health support programs.

Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.

Work-Life Balance :

Back-up care for dependents.

Childcare support allowance.

Annual leave purchase options.

Crick Networks offering diverse groups support community and inclusive social events.

Perks :

Discounted gym memberships bike-to-work scheme and shopping discounts.

Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile to have your application reviewed.

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.

Required Experience

Senior IC

Key Skills

• Succession Planning
• Growing Experience
• Expense Management
• Management Experience
• Rackspace
• Laboratory Management
• Senior Leadership
• Operations Management

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1