Senior Operations Manager (Deputy Chief Operating Officer)

Senior Operations Manager (Deputy Chief Operating Officer)

Job Title: Senior Operations Manager (Deputy Chief Operating Officer)
Post Number:
Closing Date: 24 Jan 2025
Grade: SC4
Starting Salary: £55,500-£69,250

Hours per week: 37
Project Title: To support the Chief Operating Officer with day to day operations of EI.
Expected/Ideal Start Date: 03 Mar 2025
Months Duration: 54
Interview Date: 07 Feb 2025
Flexible Options: Although full-time hours are available, applications from those interested in working part-time hours are also welcomed.

Job Description Main Purpose of the Job

The Senior Operations Manager (SOM) (Deputy COO) will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operational running of the Institute. They will be the first point of call for all enquiries from staff, students, and other external stakeholders across all operations at the Earlham Institute (EI), including operational support and laboratory management. They will support the Chief Operating Officer (COO) with the management of the Division, including Business Development, Communications, Advanced Training, and the Laboratory and Business Support Groups.

The SOM will be responsible for the safe operations of the Research Faculty, Transformative Genomics, and Biofoundry Laboratories, reporting to the COO as required. They will ensure that EI operates safely and efficiently, coordinating all aspects of support, including health and safety, and asset management.

The SOM will consult with external contacts, such as contractors, suppliers, auditors, and regulatory agencies. They will represent EI on capital projects and working groups, and take full responsibility for their own areas of responsibility and key projects at EI. They will draft Operational policies and ensure compliance with them.

Key Relationships

Internal: The post holder will work closely with the COO and all Group Research and Operational Group Leaders in EI, line manage the Head of Communications and Operational and Laboratory Manager, and support the Head of Business Development and Advanced Training.

External: NBIP Heads of Functions, EI tenants, Health and Safety coordinators, suppliers, and contractors.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

1. Operational Delivery: Day-to-day first contact for operational enquiries and problem solving. 25%
2. Capital Project Delivery: Lead the delivery of capital projects as directed by the COO. 10%
3. Corporate Governance: Draft EI Board pack and briefing papers. 10%
4. Infrastructure Strategic Management: Manage the operations of EI buildings and infrastructure. 10%
5. Strategic Management of Operations: Manage two of the Operational groups. 10%
6. Capital Funding and Facility Management: Assist with drafting of Capital cases and projects. 10%
7. Strategic Policy Drafting: Draft policies and projects. 10%
8. Budget Management: Responsible for a range of EI budgets. 5%
9. Collaboration on the NRP: Member of the EI SMT and cross-site working groups. 5%
10. Other Tasks: Any other duties as agreed with the line manager. 5%

Person Profile Education & Qualifications

Requirement: Degree in relevant financial, legal, project management, or operational areas of expertise or equivalent qualification. Importance: Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement: Working knowledge of Health and Safety legislation. Importance: Essential

Requirement: Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Importance: Essential

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement: Excellent written and oral communication skills. Importance: Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement: Promotes equality and values diversity. Importance: Essential

Who We Are

About the Earlham Institute
The Earlham Institute is a hub of life science research, training, and innovation focused on understanding the natural world through genomics.

The Earlham Institute is based on the Norwich Research Park and is one of eight institutes that receive strategic funding from the UKRI BBSRC.

Our Culture
The Earlham Institute champions 'team science' and aims to nurture an engaged and positive workplace.

The closing date for applications will be 24 January 2025.