Senior Manager, Operations Dev

Chemify Limited; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Chemify Limited is seeking a Senior Manager, Operations Dev to build and scale a high‑performing PMO. You will oversee a portfolio across software, hardware, automation, and lab operations, reporting to the VP of Business Operations. You will drive governance, prioritisation and delivery excellence with senior stakeholders.

You will lead a team, foster collaboration and implement scalable delivery frameworks to support rapid growth and transformational programmes across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Leads development of PMO capability to deliver strategic objectives.
• Manages a portfolio of cross-functional projects with scope, timelines and budgets.
• Drives governance, prioritisation and decision-making with senior stakeholders.
• Establishes reporting, risk management and resource planning processes.
• Leads and develops PMO team to foster delivery excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and continuous improvement of PMO capability.
• Manage portfolio of cross-functional projects and programmes across software, hardware, automation, lab infrastructure and operations.
• Collaborate with Executive Leadership to drive planning and prioritisation.
• Establish governance, portfolio reporting, risk management and resource planning.
• Coach PMO team to build a high-performing culture.
• Proactively manage risks, dependencies and issues with timely escalation.
• Improve delivery frameworks and governance across the organisation.
• Develop portfolio reporting and performance metrics.

Skills

PMO leadership

Portfolio management

Governance

Resource planning

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Delivery leadership

Analytical ability

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Business/Engineering/Science/Operations Management/PM

Tools

Jira

Confluence

ClickUp

Smartsheet

Microsoft Project

Asana

Job description

Chemify is revolutionising chemistry. We are creating a future where the synthesis of previously unimaginable molecules, drugs, and materials is instantly accessible. By combining AI, robotics, and the world’s largest continually expanding database of chemical programs, we are accelerating chemical discovery to improve quality of life and extend the reach of humanity.

Senior Manager, Operations Dev

About the role

We're looking for an experienced Senior Manager, Operations Dev to help shape and scale Chemify's project delivery capability during an exciting period of growth.

Working closely with our VP of Business Operations and Executive Leadership Team, you'll lead the development of a high-performing Project Management Office (PMO), ensuring our most strategic programmes and projects are delivered successfully across software, hardware, automation, laboratory infrastructure, operations and business transformation.

This is a highly visible leadership role where you'll bring structure to complexity, enable cross-functional collaboration and establish the governance, reporting and delivery frameworks that support Chemify's mission to transform the future of chemistry. You'll play a key role in ensuring projects are prioritised, resourced and delivered with clarity, pace and excellence.

What you'll do

As our Senior Manager, Operations Dev, you will:

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of Chemify's PMO capability, supporting the delivery of strategic business objectives.
• Manage a portfolio of complex cross-functional projects and programmes, ensuring delivery against scope, timelines, budgets and organisational priorities.
• Partner with Executive Leadership and senior stakeholders to drive effective planning, prioritisation and decision-making.
• Establish and maintain project governance, portfolio management, reporting, risk management and resource planning processes across the organisation.
• Lead, coach and develop PMO team members, fostering a collaborative, accountable and high-performing delivery culture.
• Identify and proactively manage programme risks, dependencies and issues, ensuring timely escalation and resolution where required.
• Drive continuous improvement of project delivery methodologies, governance frameworks and ways of working.
• Develop portfolio reporting and performance metrics that provide clear visibility of delivery progress, risks and business outcomes.
• Support the implementation of scalable systems, processes and operational standards that enable Chemify's continued growth.
• Work across scientific, engineering, software, automation and operational teams to coordinate complex programmes from concept through delivery.
• Champion a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement across the organisation.

Who we're looking for

You'll thrive in this role if you enjoy bringing clarity to complex programmes, influencing senior stakeholders and building delivery capability within a fast-moving, innovative environment.

We're looking for someone who has:

• A degree in Business, Engineering, Science, Operations Management, Project Management or a related discipline.
• A recognised project or programme management qualification (such as PRINCE2, PMP, MSP or AgilePM), or equivalent practical experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading project, programme or PMO functions within complex scientific, engineering, technology or manufacturing organisations.
• A strong track record of delivering multiple strategic projects involving diverse stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Experience working closely with executive leadership and senior decision-makers.
• Excellent knowledge of project governance, portfolio management, resource planning and risk management.
• Experience developing and improving delivery frameworks, reporting processes and organisational governance.
• Confidence using project management tools such as Jira, Confluence, ClickUp, Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, Asana or similar platforms.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on delivering results in a dynamic environment.

Nice to have

While not essential, we'd love to hear from you if you also have experience:

• Building or scaling a PMO within a growing organisation.
• Working in a startup or scale-up environment.
• Delivering facilities, laboratory infrastructure or operational transformation programmes.
• Using Agile, Waterfall and Hybrid delivery methodologies.
• Working with business intelligence, portfolio analytics or reporting tools.
• Supporting automation, robotics or digital transformation initiatives.
• Working within biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, robotics or other deep-tech organisations.

Why Chemify?

At Chemify, you'll work alongside world-class scientists, engineers and technologists who are redefining how molecules are discovered and manufactured. We move quickly, embrace ambitious challenges and believe the best ideas come from collaborative, multidisciplinary teams.

If you're excited by the opportunity to build delivery capability that enables groundbreaking science and technology, we'd love to hear from you.