Business and Operations Manager

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Business and Operations Manager to provide senior strategic and operational leadership for the newly integrated professional service teams for the Department of Psychiatry and Cambridge Mind and Brain Institute (CMBI).

This is a pivotal role, working closely with the Heads of Institutions to shape and deliver the strategic aims of a vibrant academic community of approximately 220 staff and 175 PhD and MPhil students. You will act as professional service manager for the Institutions, overseeing the newly integrated professional services teams, overseeing governance, business planning and day-to-day operations in support of world-leading teaching and research, and taking responsibility for the management of income generated through grants, student fees, donations and investments of approximately £20m per year.

About the role

As Business and Operations Manager, you will advise the Heads of Institutions on strategy and support the planning and implementation of new developments. You will lead and manage an integrated professional services team, ensuring the Institutions' business, administration and services are delivered to a high standard and are geared towards continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with and advising the Heads of Institutions on strategic development and sustainable management of the Institutions.
• Ensuring effective and efficient governance, including servicing or chairing Institutions Committees.
• Leading and managing the integrated professional services team supporting research, teaching and administration.
• Managing financial resources and business planning, including oversight of research grants and other income of approximately £20m.
• Leading change and business improvement projects, and overseeing internal and external communications.
• Ensuring the effective management of the Institutions' sites, buildings and facilities, including health, safety and regulatory compliance.

About you

You will be a senior professional services manager with demonstrable experience of managing large teams and delivering strategic planning and change at a tactical and operational level, together with a track record of supporting and developing staff. You will bring strong planning and relationship-building skills, and the ability to communicate persuasively and effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation. Significant experience and knowledge of the UK Higher Education sector is desirable.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing date: 25 October 2026

Interview date: 5 November 2026

Please quote reference RN51269 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.