Strategic Operations Lead, THIS Institute (Fixed Term)

About the role

The Strategic Operations Lead at THIS Institute is a senior leadership role central to the Institute's mission to build an evidence base for improving and innovating in healthcare. As a key member of the Institute's executive team, the post-holder provides strategic and operational leadership across business planning, finance, governance, risk, human resources, contracting, funding applications, research programme management, impact and continuous improvement. The role leads a multi-skilled team and works with stakeholders across the NHS, academia, charities, professional bodies and the wider University. It is a full-time, fixed-term position based at the Strangeways Research Laboratory in Cambridge.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a budget of approximately £3-4 million per year, including forecasting, management information, financial controls and compliance, and present analysis to senior leaders and governance committees.
• Lead human resources for around 50 members of staff and students, including recruitment, induction, appraisal, promotion, reward, workforce planning and staff wellbeing.
• Prepare major bids and manage contracting and income generation, and maintain relationships with current and future partners.
• Oversee governance, risk management, business planning and reporting, including annual reports to the main funder, quarterly reports to the Strategic, Finance and Risk Committee and audits.
• Chair internal and external committees and working groups, and act as deputy for the Director where appropriate.
• Promote an inclusive, ethical workplace and support managers' leadership development.

Required profile

• Honours degree level, ideally with a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Extensive experience of operations and business leadership, including delivering complex, multi-stakeholder programmes.
• Significant experience leading people and teams and promoting an inclusive culture.
• Strong analytical, facilitation and negotiation skills, and the ability to plan for the long term in a fast-paced environment.

Funding is available until 31 July 2030. Applications are made online through the University's recruitment system, with a covering letter and CV; the closing date is 10 November 2026.