Operations Lead

Innovate UK; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Swindon is seeking an Operations Lead to manage operational processes for funding opportunities. This hybrid role requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. The ideal candidate is experienced in research and innovation, with a commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. Competitive salary and a generous benefits package including flexible working, pension scheme, and annual leave are offered.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension scheme

30 days annual leave

Employee discounts

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience in a research and/or innovation environment.
• Ability to manage changing and conflicting priorities.
• Clear understanding of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational processes for funding opportunities.
• Support management and training of the assessment team.
• Monitor and evaluate the pilot program.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Relationship building

Education

Degree level education or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

Salary: £36,650 per annum. Band: UKRI D. Team: UKRI Talent and Skills. Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 0.6 FTE). Contract Type: Fixed Term (Ending 31/03/27). Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire. Hybrid working available. Closing Date: Monday 29th September 2025.

We are recruiting for an Operations Lead within the Interdisciplinary Responsive Mode Team (UKRI Talent and Skills Team). The role supports the delivery of the UKRI cross research council responsive mode (CRCRM) scheme pilot. This pan-UKRI programme is designed to support interdisciplinary ideas emerging from the research community outside current disciplinary boundaries, and outside the remit of existing UKRI responsive mode schemes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational processes associated with the delivery of the schemes funding opportunities, including the assessment and awarding of applications.
• Support the management and training of the Interdisciplinary Assessment College.
• Play a key role in the monitoring and evaluation of the pilot.
• Be responsible for the task management of Funding Officers and Funding Administrators and line manage at least one member of the team.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or demonstrate equivalent experience
• Experience of working in a research and/or innovation environment with a clear understanding of peer review
• Effective team member with experience of establishing and maintaining relationships internally and externally at all levels of seniority
• Excellent leadership skills, including delegation and supporting others
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written); experience presenting persuasively, succinctly, and negotiating effectively
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage changing and/or conflicting priorities and handle large volumes of sensitive data
• Demonstrable analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to work with ambiguity and exercise initiative and judgement in evolving environments
• Clear understanding and commitment to advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Benefits

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• 30 days' annual leave plus 10.5 public and privilege days (full-time equivalent)
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
• Employee assistance programme with confidential help and advice
• Flexible working options

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives to support work-life balance.

Equality and applying

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity and Disability Confident Employer.

How to apply

Please apply online via our careers site. Submit an application including your CV and a Cover Letter that showcases how your skills and experience align to the requirements of the role.

Note: A well-thought-out application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria will be considered more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.