Operations Manager

Job Description

The primary purpose of this role is to support the Executive Director in providing the efficient leadership and administration of the Centres programmes and projects. You will take on a significant proportion of the planning and problem solving necessaryto ensure all centre activity, budgeting and reporting milestones are met.The role will focus on management across several core areas, including governance and planning; research; finance; stakeholder management; administrative management; human resources support; and communications management.In addition to strong administrative skills, applicants will need to be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with a wide range of senior collaborators and stakeholders. The role is expected to have a high degreeof autonomy and as such you will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to plan, problem solve and make decisions that strike a careful balance between the changing needs of the Centre and its stakeholders.Specific Responsibilities

• Prepare documents as required for departmental planning and strategy meetings, and stewardship reporting to donors and sponsors
• Integrate new projects and activities into the Centre
• Work alongside the Executive Director to contribute to the strategic planning process
• Take the lead in formulating the steps necessary to implementing this plan, identifying problems and guiding the discussion as required to adapt to operational changes that might emerge
• Monitor all new research projects and related activity, and ensure they comply with research protocols. Liaise with collaborating teams/departments/institutions to prepare and update budgets and ensure timely reporting and closure of research funding
• Work collaboratively and proactively with the departments research management team to identify and optimise grant funding opportunities
• Plan and prepare budgets and forecasts for the Executive Director
• Prepare accurate and timely reports to sponsors according to the terms of the agreements
• Proactively initiate and develop relationships with internal and external partners to support the Centres strategic objectives
• Represent the department through attendance and participation in relevant events, meetings and working groups.
• Lead all event management activity and delivery
• Work with the Executive Director to create a consistent HR strategy to support the Centres activity and implement this efficiently
• Supervisory responsibility for administrative support staff
• Assist in the recruitment and onboarding process for new starters
• Manage outsourced relationships with contractors and industry
• Develop and deliver the communications and content management strategy, including an online and digital plan that incorporates social media

Key Skills and Experience

• Existing knowledge/understanding of endowments and charity law
• Familiarity with the management of academic research in finance/financial economics
• Experience of service delivery, event management and financial and resource management and planning
• Experience of handling and engaging with senior academic and administrative stakeholders
• Experience of research, project and event management and demonstrated ability to deliver these against budgets and within deadlines
• Experience of working in the corporate sector and in Higher Education administration
• Experience in a management role supervising staff and leading teams
• Experience of drafting contracts and contract management/administration
• Strong numeracy skills and the ability to interpret data
• Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines
• Ability to prioritise heavy workload effectively and adapt to changing situations
• An analytical mindset, with a high standard of attention to detail
• A high degree of initiative, resourcefulness and creativity
• Excellent interpersonal skills and sound judgement
• Excellent spoken communication skills, including strong negotiation and influencing skills and the ability to liaise confidently with staff at all levels and key stakeholders
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to summarise complex information in a concise yet persuasive manner and to a range of audiences
• Educated to at least degree level or equivalent
• Must thrive in a collaborative environment, while at the same time be able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Occasionally, out of hours office working required.

To ApplyPlease send a covering letter together with a copy of your CV in MS Word