Operations Coordinator (Part Time)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge, based at the Whittle Laboratory in West Cambridge, seeks an experienced Operations Manager to coordinate day-to-day operations for the Aviation Impact Accelerator. You will work with the Director and Operations Lead to drive finance, HR, procurement, office and calendar management, ensuring smooth support for the programme.

This fixed-term, office-based role (Tuesday to Thursday) requires taking ownership of processes, prioritising tasks, and providing clear

Qualifications

• Experience in operations management or organisational support.
• Strong financial awareness and budget handling.
• Experience coordinating HR, procurement and admin processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day operations for the Aviation Impact Accelerator.
• Manage finance, HR, recruitment, procurement, office and calendar activities.
• Provide timely information to support decision-making and maintain smooth operations.

Skills

Operations coordination

Finance management

HR administration

Procurement

Calendar management

Attention to detail

Stakeholder communication

Job description

The Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA) is seeking an experienced and highly organised Operations Manager to play a central role in supporting the team and ensuring the smooth and effective running of its day-to-day operations.

Based at the Whittle Laboratory in West Cambridge, you will work closely with the AIA Director, Operations Lead and wider team to coordinate and deliver a broad range of operational and administrative priorities. These will include finance, HR, recruitment, procurement, office and calendar management, and other activities essential to the effective functioning of the team.

This is a hands-on role requiring someone who is comfortable taking ownership of important operational processes, managing competing priorities and ensuring that tasks are followed through accurately and efficiently. Working under the supervision of the Operations Lead, you will exercise sound judgement in handling routine matters independently, escalating non-routine or sensitive issues appropriately, and provide clear, accurate and timely information to support effective decision-making.

We are looking for someone with excellent organisational and coordination skills, exceptional attention to detail and a strong sense of personal responsibility. You will be a proactive self-starter who takes pride in delivering work to a high standard, anticipates what needs to be done and is willing to take ownership of the vital administrative and operational functions that enable the wider team to perform effectively.

The successful candidate will be able to communicate clearly and professionally with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders, manage multiple tasks and deadlines without losing sight of detail, and approach problems calmly and practically. Good financial awareness and experience of working across several operational functions are important, as is the ability to work effectively in a busy and evolving environment.

We particularly value reliability, initiative, good judgement and a genuine commitment to getting things right. The role would suit someone who enjoys bringing structure and organisation to a team, who is comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, and who understands the importance of strong operational support to the success of a wider programme.

Experience of working within a university, research organisation or similarly complex environment would be an advantage.

For full details of the role, responsibilities and person specification, please see the further particulars document.

Working pattern: Tuesday to Thursday, office-based.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 6 months in the first instance.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 21 October 2026.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

£33,951 to £39,906 pro rata