Office Manager

UK Biobank Limited; England; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health research organization is seeking an Office Manager to oversee smooth office operations during their relocation to Manchester. You will manage relationships, coordinate services, and ensure a welcoming environment for stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have experience in office management, demonstrate leadership skills, and be proficient in workplace systems. This position offers a salary between £38,000 and £42,000 annually, with various employee benefits.

Benefits

26 Days’ Annual Leave

Holiday Buy Scheme

Birthday Leave

USS Pension Scheme

Healthcare Cash Plan

Enhanced Family Leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Season Ticket Loan

Professional Subscriptions

Learning budget

Free On-Site Gym

Subsidised Canteen Lunches

Free Car Parking

Employee Discounts Portal

Employee Assistance Programme

Annual Flu Vaccination

Life Assurance Cover

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to manage an office in a complex environment.
• Experience managing a busy city centre office housing over 150 employees.
• Ability to complete agreed tasks with a minimum of supervision.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring office operations run smoothly.
• Managing relationships with external partners.
• Coordinating services across multiple locations.
• Preparing for the move to Manchester Science Park.

Skills

Office management

Leadership

Customer service focus

Microsoft 365

AV system operation

Tools

Deskbird

Job description

Office Manager

Application Deadline: 14 December 2025

Department: Facilities

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Cheadle

Reporting To: Facilities Manager

Compensation: £38,000 - £42,000 / year

Description

At UK Biobank, we hold one of the world’s most valuable health research resources—a database of unparalleled depth and integrity. As we move into an exciting new chapter, we are preparing to transition our operations from Cheadle to a brand-new, purpose-designed facility at Manchester Science Park (Greenheys). This state‑of‑the‑art building will be home to our teams, our researchers, and the innovative work that underpins UK Biobank’s global scientific impact.

This is your opportunity to play a central role in shaping that future. As Office Manager, you’ll ensure our people, visitors, and stakeholders experience a seamless and welcoming environment supporting the soft services, relationships, and operational coordination that make our organisation thrive through this significant period of change. You’ll lead the day‑to‑day running of the office environment and play a hands‑on role in preparing for the move to our new site, building strong partnerships with Manchester Science Park.

Can you do it?

Reporting to the Facilities Manager, you’ll be the central point of contact for all office operations, ensuring our workspaces run smoothly and efficiently during a period of rapid transformation. You’ll manage relationships with external partners, coordinate services across multiple locations, and support an excellent visitor and stakeholder experience as our new facility prepares to open.

This role requires someone who is proactive, organised, people‑focused and confident navigating a wide range of operational responsibilities – from coordinating meeting room logistics and catering arrangements to managing desk bookings, event support, office supplies, and day‑to‑day problem solving. You will manage a small team of staff and provide leadership through influence, service coordination, and strong supplier management.

You will be responsible for:

• Managing the transfer of the current office staff located in Stockport to Manchester, liaising with new landlords and stakeholders throughout the process during 2026.
• Managing all aspects of the UK Biobank offices, such as visitor management duties, meeting room management and catering provisions, management of equipment provisions (printers, stationary etc.), and managing cleaning and hygiene contracts.
• Ensuring AV systems are operational and set up ahead of meetings on a daily basis.
• Overseeing visitor management, including stakeholders and researchers travelling from Oxford and other locations.
• Liaising with the operators of Manchester Science Park to ensure UK Biobank benefits from being part of the vibrant extended community and ensure the communal aspects of the building are kept to a high standard (coffee shop, lunch provisions, toilets, lifts, shower and changing facilities etc).

Is this 'you'?

To be successful, you will have:

• Demonstrated ability to manage an office in a complex environment such as a hospital, clinic or laboratory and ability to lead the successful relocation of office functions and teams to a new site.
• Experience of managing a busy city centre office housing over 150 employees.
• Ability to lead a small team in a professional manner to provide a customer service focused office environment for all stakeholders.
• Ability to complete agreed tasks with a minimum of supervision.
• Experience using workplace systems such as Microsoft 365, desk or room booking tools (e.g., Deskbird), and general office coordination platforms.
• Confidence supporting office technology, including the set‑up and day‑to‑day operation of AV systems.

Working hours are 35‑hours per week, 5 days onsite Monday to Friday. Located in Greater Manchester (initially based in Stockport with a move to Manchester Science Park mid to late 2026).

Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.

Your Wellbeing Matters to Us

We’re proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and work‑life balance – right from day one. Here’s what you can look forward to as part of our team:

• 🗓️ 26 Days’ Annual Leave – Plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
• ➕ Holiday Buy Scheme – Purchase up to one additional week of leave per year.
• 🎂 Birthday Leave – Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.
• 🏦 USS Pension Scheme – Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan.
• 🏥 Healthcare Cash Plan – Claim back costs for everyday health expenses.
• 👶 Enhanced Family Leave – Available from day one for maternity, paternity, and adoption.
• 🚴 Cycle to Work Scheme – Save on a new bike and accessories.
• 🚆 Season Ticket Loan – Interest‑free loan to help with commuting costs.
• 📄 Professional Subscriptions – Reimbursement where applicable.
• 📚 Learning budget – Annual funds for courses, books, or anything else that fuels your personal and professional growth.
• 🏋️ Free On‑Site Gym – Stay active with access to our gym facilities.
• 🍽️ Subsidised Canteen Lunches – Enjoy healthy meals at reduced prices.
• 🚗 Free Car Parking – On‑site parking available for staff.
• 🛍️ Employee Discounts Portal – Access to savings across retail, travel, and more.
• 📞 Employee Assistance Programme – Confidential support for personal and work‑related issues.
• 💉 Annual Flu Vaccination – Stay protected with free flu jabs.
• 🛡️ Life Assurance Cover – Financial protection for your loved ones.

#LI-Onsite

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