Associate Director (Strategy & Operations)

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading institution in London is seeking an Associate Director for its Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI). This senior role involves strategic leadership and operational management to enhance the experience of early career researchers. The position offers a competitive salary, extensive benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to a diverse and inclusive work culture.

Benefits

39 days’ annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working

On-site leisure facilities

Cycle-to-work schemes

Interest-free season ticket loans

Qualifications

• Experienced higher education professional with extensive knowledge of early career researcher issues.
• Capable of leading a diverse team of experts.
• Champion of Imperial Values.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of ECRI’s inaugural strategy.
• Develop future strategies and oversee staff development.
• Ensure quality assurance and governance of ECRI.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Management

Strategic Development

Knowledge of Higher Education

Education

Higher Education Degree

Job description

Associate Director (Strategy & Operations), London

Client: Imperial College London

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 1ed25c9c93fc

Job Views: 2

Posted: 21.05.2025

Expiry Date: 05.07.2025

Job Description:

An exciting opportunity to contribute towards the leadership of Imperial’s Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI), helping to develop Imperial’s early career researchers and to contribute to the university’s strategy.

This post is the most senior Professional Services post in the department and a member of the department’s 5-person Management Group.

The Associate Director (Strategy and Operations) provides expert and specialist knowledge to support the development and delivery of ECRI’s strategy and takes a lead in all aspects of operational management of ECRI.

The overall mission of the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI) is to attract, develop, empower, and advocate for the next generation of outstanding Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine, and Business (STEMB) research talent.

Established in October 2024, ECRI brought together the former Graduate School and Postdoc and Fellows Development Centre, forming a single institute for the support of all early career researchers (postgraduate research degree students through to Postdocs and Fellows) and those who support them.

Within the organisational structure of Imperial, ECRI reports to the University Research and Enterprise Board, chaired by the Vice Provost (Research & Enterprise), Professor Mary Ryan. ECRI is led by the Director, Professor George Constantinides, supported by Deputy Academic Directors and two Associate Directors.

There are two staff teams responsible for delivering ECRI’s provision: the Learning and Development Team, responsible for facilitating learning and development opportunities, and the ECRI Administration Team, responsible for operational services.

Within Imperial’s broader strategy, ECRI is a core strategic project. It offers facilitated learning in leadership, operational, finance, and risk management skills, supporting diverse career pathways and positioning Imperial as a thought leader.

ECRI’s inaugural strategic plan outlines six key aims to enhance the experience of Imperial’s early career researchers and develop the research ecosystem.

Read more about ECRI’s initiatives.

Role Responsibilities:

You will lead the implementation of ECRI’s inaugural strategy, develop future strategies, and oversee staff development, quality assurance, and governance of ECRI.

We seek an experienced higher education professional with extensive knowledge of issues affecting early career researchers and capable of leading a diverse team of experts.

All applicants are expected to champion Imperial Values. Applicants from under-represented groups are encouraged. Reasonable adjustments are available for applicants with disabilities.

Benefits:

• The opportunity to advance your career at a world-leading institution committed to using science for humanity.
• Sector-leading salary and benefits, including 39 days’ annual leave and a generous pension scheme.
• Workplace benefits such as flexible working, family leave, on-site leisure facilities, and cycle-to-work schemes.
• Interest-free season ticket loans for travel.
• Join a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with resources supporting your personal and professional growth.