Business and Operations Manager

Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Cambridge seeks a Business and Operations Manager to lead the operational strategy, manage large budgets, and engage with key stakeholders. The role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership and people management skills. A background in research-intensive settings and higher education is ideal. This full-time position requires an on-site presence four days a week, with possibilities for flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing large teams and budgets.
• Experience in a research-intensive or clinical setting.
• Strong understanding of the higher education environment.

Responsibilities

• Shape operational strategy for the Department.
• Lead on finance, HR, estates, governance, and professional services.
• Engage with university bodies, NHS partners, and research funders.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

People management

Budget management

Job description

# Business and Operations ManagerThe Department of Medicine at the University of Cambridge is seeking an exceptional leader to join us as Business and Operations Manager. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape the operational strategy of one of the largest and most research-intensive departments in the School of Clinical Medicine.You will work closely with the Head of Department and senior academics to deliver world-class research and teaching by leading on finance, HR, estates, governance, and professional services. Acting as the senior administrative liaison, you will engage with University bodies, NHS partners, research funders, and industry collaborators to ensure operational excellence and strategic alignment.The Department operates across multiple sites on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and is involved in major capital projects and international collaborations. With a research portfolio exceeding £140m and an annual expenditure of over £26m, this is a complex and dynamic environment requiring strong leadership and innovation.We are looking for a strategic thinker with outstanding leadership and people management skills, proven experience in managing large budgets and teams, and the ability to influence at the highest level. Ideally, you will have experience in a research-intensive or clinical setting and a strong understanding of the higher education environment.Informal enquiries are welcomed, and should be directed to Professor Duncan Richards, Head of Department ([e-mail]).This is a full-time post with the successful candidate expected to maintain an on-site presence 4 days per week. Flexible working requests around this requirement, such as compressed or flexible hours, may be considered. The panel welcome open discussions around this at interview.Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.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 for all applications is Monday 5th January 2026.**First-round interviews:** 16th January 2026 (MS Teams).**Second-round interviews:** 2nd February 2026 (Cambridge Biomedical Campus).Please quote reference RC48259 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.### Department/location### Salary£63,606-£67,468### ReferenceRC48259### Category### Date published12 December 2025### Closing date5 January 2026