Operations Manager

Operations Manager

We have an exciting opportunity to join the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) as Operations Manager. Our vision is to transform lives through world-leading research in ageing and multiple long-term conditions. The NIHR Newcastle BRC is a major funding award from the NIHR to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust delivered in partnership with the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University and Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust. As one of 20 BRCs in England the NIHR Newcastle BRC is dedicated to translating scientific discoveries in ageing and multiple long-term conditions into meaningful benefits for patients, the public and the healthcare system. As part of NIHR Newcastle BRC core theme the post will provide operational management and oversight and report to the NIHR Newcastle BRC Chief Operating Officer and upwards to the NIHR Newcastle BRC Director.

You will have excellent operational and project management skills with a track record of successful delivery with multiple partners. You will be comfortable building and maintaining relationships with a range of stakeholders and experience of working at strategic level with multiple partners. A background in Higher Education or research is not essential. We are interested in your transferrable skills, experience in delivering operational excellence and how you would support the delivery of this important award.

We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment. The position is available immediately and is offered on a part time basis (0.5 FTE).

Informal enquiries are welcomed. To discuss this role further, please contact the Chief Operating Officer of the NIHR Newcastle BRC Martin Dixon via email martin.dixon@newcastle.ac.uk.

This role is fixed term until September 2027.

Key Accountabilities

• Support the COO with the day-to-day operations and how they meet strategic objectives, fostering a culture of service excellence across the NIHR Newcastle BRC
• Develop, enhance and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders of the BRC, including academics, clinicians, researchers, and staff across the University, partnering NHS Trusts and the NIHR
• Provide advice and support to the Director, COO and broader leadership team, including on achievement of priorities, goals and milestones
• Facilitate effective working across the BRC Core Theme, working with the BRC COO and BRC Research Programme Manager to ensure a co-ordinated and efficient support service is provided across the BRC
• Oversee the delivery of key cross cutting areas including Communications, Research Capacity Development, Research Inclusion and Patient & Public Involvement and Engagement by managing and overseeing the operations colleagues, including recruitment and selection, performance management, identifying development needs, mentoring, review and rewarding colleagues. Providing advice to the senior management team on people matters and liaising with People Services (HR) as appropriate
• Work with the Communications Manager to establish and ensure effective communication mechanisms within the Centre and beyond. Support with the BRC Research Programme Manager with production of the BRC annual report to the NIHR
• Support the BRC Leadership Team in representing the Centre at meetings as appropriate
• Oversee the organisation of BRC Executive, Strategy Group and External Advisory Group meetings and other appropriate committees/group meetings
• Represent the BRC at internal and external meetings as required
• Support other BRC activity as required. Deputise for the BRC Chief Operating Officer as required

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable experience of effective and successful leadership, with a proven track record of leading with clear direction and supporting people to fulfil their potential. Significant experience of developing operational and strategic plans, and associated resource planning
• Significant experience of managing change and supporting people to make transitions
• Success in working with and providing authoritative advice to senior colleagues
• Proven experience of building teams, who work collaboratively and flexibly and are accountable for delivering excellent service
• Intellectual capacity and strong influencing skills in complex stakeholder environments, getting 'buy in' to policy and strategy and to facilitate changes in behaviours and direction at both a strategic and operational level across organisational boundaries
• Proven high level decision making and problem-solving skills, and a demonstrable ability to undertake initiatives, priorities and plan appropriately within a strategic framework. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to write accurately, concisely and appropriately for a range of audiences
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• A basic understanding of scientific and clinical terminology that underpins translational research

Desirable

• Knowledge of research environment in either NHS and/or HEI
• Knowledge and understanding of the external environment within which NIHR Newcastle BRC operates
• Experience of managing large and complex programmes of research in a research environment

Attributes and Behaviour

• Ability to prioritise conflicting demands and work under pressure to tight deadlines
• Able to analyse complex problems and develop practical and workable solutions to address them
• Ability to motivate others, particularly outside of the immediate working environment
• Ability to think strategically and identify opportunities
• Ability to make decisions independently in managing a complex research programme, but also know when to seek wider input
• Ability to handle conflict in a timely and effective way, bringing situations to speedy resolution
• Engages others, communicates with colleagues effectively and can persuade and influence others
• Works in partnership with others and has exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Demonstrates resilience to the demands of the role and pace of change and can manage criticism and challenge
• Promotes a culture of mutual respect

Qualifications

• Qualified to Degree level and/or with significant relevant management and leadership experience, and proven success in developing and contributing to the development of strategy

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.