Head of Operations

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Oxford is seeking a Head of Operations for the Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence. This role involves overseeing operational responsibilities, strategic planning, and decision-making for a large-scale research initiative. The ideal candidate will have experience in a research-intensive environment, strong management skills, and a proven ability in financial oversight. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of innovative medical therapies.

Qualifications

• Experience in programme management and strategic planning in large organizations.
• Ability to deliver services in complex multi-budget environments.
• Proven track record of operational oversight.

Responsibilities

• Manage operational responsibilities for the MRC CoRE.
• Lead decision making and strategic planning.
• Supervise the MRC CoRE Operational Support Team.

Skills

Leadership

Management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Experience in research-intensive university or comparable environment

Financial management skills

Job description

Overview

Head of Operations for the Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Restorative Neural Dynamics, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN)'s Brain Network Dynamics Unit, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TH.

The Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence (MRC CoRE) in Restorative Neural Dynamics is an ambitious new flagship research and innovation enterprise focused on harnessing moment-to-moment neural dynamics to transform medical device-based therapies for brain conditions. You will join the MRC CoRE leadership and play key roles in decision making, strategic planning, and delivering on the challenge-led mission. You will have overall operational responsibility for the administration of the multisite MRC CoRE, including management of its resources, performance, development, and finances. You will be a trusted source of expert opinion, advice and analyses in areas important to the MRC CoRE. You will help lead the MRC CoRE in complex matters and will be a proactive problem solver. You will line manage the MRC CoRE Operational Support Team and contribute to embedding and disseminating best practice and innovations promoting a positive research culture.

This is a diverse and evolving role requiring excellent skills in leadership, management, operational oversight, and strategic thinking. You will have experience of working in a research-intensive university (or in a directly comparable environment), of programme management, of strategic academic and/or research planning in a large organisation, and of service delivery in a complex multi-budget environment. You will also have experience of financial management, including budget profiling and forecasting. You will be adept at building consensus and collaborative relationships, and will have the interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills to effectively engage with stakeholders across academia, industry, and the third and public sectors.