UK-Med is Seeking an Operations Manager – Humanitarian Health

Globalsouthopportunities; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,900 - 56,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits package

Professional growth opportunities

Supportive and inclusive team environment

Job summary

A prominent humanitarian organization is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to oversee and enhance healthcare operations during humanitarian crises. This role requires a minimum of five years in humanitarian health operations, the ability to function within challenging contexts, and strong project management skills. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in leading diverse teams, implementing operational processes, and ensuring compliance with high standards to effectively support global health initiatives. This position offers a competitive salary and includes regular travel to Manchester.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years in humanitarian health operations management.
• Proven ability to operate in challenging or insecure settings.
• Strong understanding of project cycle management.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational management across a growing portfolio of programmes.
• Develop and implement operational systems and frameworks.
• Ensure projects meet high standards of delivery, safety, and compliance.

Skills

Humanitarian health operations management

Project cycle management

Security practices

Excellent communication

Job description

Location: Manchester, UK (or globally within 2–3 hours of UK time)
Salary: Up to £51,100 per annum (dependent on experience)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Travel: Regular travel to Manchester; minimum 40% deployment overseas

Overview

UK-Med is expanding its humanitarian health operations and seeks an experienced Operations Manager to join its growing team. This newly created role offers an opportunity to shape and strengthen operational systems, manage a diverse portfolio of programmes, and directly contribute to life-saving interventions in humanitarian crises.

The Operations Manager will operate across both headquarters and field settings, ensuring high-quality operational management while driving the development of processes and structures to support the organisation’s growing global mission.

About UK-Med

UK-Med is a leading NGO providing emergency health support during crises and humanitarian emergencies. The organisation:

• Delivers clinical assistance, training, and capacity building for health professionals worldwide
• Focuses on countries vulnerable to outbreaks, natural disasters, or complex emergencies
• Collaborates closely with the UK Emergency Medical Team (EMT), DFID, and WHO
• Develops independent programmes to respond to health system challenges

Humanitarian health needs are rising due to increasingly frequent, complex, and severe disasters and disease outbreaks. UK-Med’s teams provide surge support, which can range from:

• Individual technical experts delivering advice and capacity building
• Small-scale teams strengthening local health systems
• Full field hospitals providing primary healthcare and surgical interventions

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager will:

• Lead operational management across a growing portfolio of programmes and responses
• Develop and implement operational systems, processes, and frameworks
• Support field deployments while maintaining HQ oversight
• Ensure projects meet high standards of delivery, safety, and compliance

This position is ideal for a professional with extensive experience in humanitarian health operations, including field experience, who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys meeting challenging objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, logistics, and operational support for field and HQ programmes
• Manage multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams in dynamic and challenging environments
• Implement project cycle management, including proposal development, budgeting, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation
• Ensure robust security and risk management procedures for staff and beneficiaries
• Strengthen internal systems and processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Professional expertise: Minimum five years in humanitarian health operations management
• Leadership experience: Senior role experience in an NGO or similar environment
• Field competence: Proven ability to operate in challenging or insecure settings
• Operational skills: Strong understanding of project cycle management and security practices
• Mission alignment: Passion for UK-Med’s humanitarian objectives and commitment to making a measurable difference

Additional desirable qualities include adaptability, resilience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across cultural and geographic boundaries.

UK-Med offers:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to contribute to vital humanitarian health work
• Supportive, inclusive, and collaborative team environment
• Professional growth in a developing and mission-driven organisation

Safeguarding and Inclusion

UK-Med prioritises the safety and well-being of staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries:

• Committed to zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse
• Conducts thorough vetting before appointment
• Follows principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion to provide a supportive environment

Application Process

Candidates should submit:

• A current CV

Applications must be submitted by 9th February 2026. It is recommended to review the Candidate Information Pack – Operations Manager before applying.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply via the UK-Med website, providing:

• CV and cover letter (PDF, DOC, DOCX, TXT, or RTF)
• Responses to role-specific eligibility questions

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