Director of Operations, Department of Immunology and Inflammation

About the role:

The Department of Immunology and Inflammation in Imperial College London’s Faculty of Medicine is a world-renowned research centre that integrates discovery science with clinical medicine to prevent or treat inflammatory and haematological conditions.

We are seeking to recruit a Director of Operations who will have overarching responsibility for the delivery of all administrative functions in the Department as well as directly supporting the academic mission through effective liaison with the Head of Department, Professor Marina Botto.

We focus on discovering fundamental mechanisms linking the immune system to disease and translating these to advance molecular medicine in the clinic. The Department has a vibrant and dynamic multi-disciplinary research environment where scientists from clinical and non-clinical backgrounds work together to advance the understanding of disease mechanisms and to develop new translational approaches.

The Department of Immunology and Inflammation has approximately 100 staff of whom over 70 are academic and research.  The Director of Operations oversees a turnover of £13M per annum, including grant income of £8M per annum, an education portfolio of over 30 taught postgraduate and around 40 PhD students, and space of approx. 8000 sq. m. This senior administrative role has a focus on strategy, and the management of space, finances, people, risk, Health & Safety, and compliance.

What you would be doing:

As Director of Operations, you are responsible for driving strategic decision making in the Department and resolving complex issues related to funding, staff management, and the provision of facilities and services. Key relationships will be formed with the Head of Department, the heads of the two academic Centres, and senior academic and administrative staff in the Faculty of Medicine, as well as our partner NHS Trusts.

What we are looking for:

• Relevant extensive experience in a university environment with good understanding of the complexities of working in the sector. Highly advantageous to have a good understanding or knowledge of the NHS, and its interface with universities.
• Substantial experience of senior managerial/leadership responsibilities in a Higher Education and medical research context.
• Demonstrable experience with strategic development related to research and financial management.
• Extensive experience of problem solving and working under pressure while coordinating the provision of an effective service.
• Exceptional people management skills with the ability to influence, negotiate, and motivate are essential, as is the ability to develop strong working relationships with staff at all levels.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to be assertive, diplomatic, and engaging.

What we can offer you:

• Benefit from sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes)
• Get access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day 1, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and a cycle-to-work scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

Informal enquiries may be raised by emailing Dr Chris Watkins, Faculty Chief Operating Officer (c.watkins@imperial.ac.uk).                                                                

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