"Business & Operations Manager"

Business & Operations Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and highly motivated professional to join us as Business & Operations Manager. This is a senior wide-ranging leadership role with responsibility for the effective and strategic delivery of all non-academic operations within the Institute, advising and supporting the Director and Group Leaders in achieving the Institute's long-term research and organisational objectives. We are looking for someone who can operate with confidence at both strategic and operational levels.

The Sainsbury Laboratory (SLCU) is an internationally recognised research institute dedicated to fundamental studies in quantitative plant developmental biology. Our researchers tackle some of the most important biological questions of our time and behind every scientific advance is an exceptional professional support team. The Institute is a welcoming, inclusive community of around 160 people. As part of the School of Biological Sciences, it fosters a vibrant, highly collaborative research environment.

The Business & Operations Manager is responsible for the leadership and management of all professional services across the Institute (about 40 staff), including finance, HR, IT, building and facilities, events, communications, compliance and health & safety to ensure these functions operate effectively, efficiently and in compliance with University, funders and other regulatory requirements, and that professional support evolves in line with the needs of our research-intensive environment. They will work in close collaboration with other departments, the School Office and with colleagues across the University's central administration.

The role holder oversees a portfolio of approximately 50 active grants worth approximately £60 million, within an institute that receives no University (Chest) funding and relies exclusively on external income for its operations, primarily from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation. This funding model brings its own fiduciary and strategic responsibilities. These include a major role in managing expectations of our key financial contributor, as well as supporting and coordinating the Institute's five yearly evaluation. This international peer-review process evaluates the Institute's scientific and core overall performance and is central to maintaining its next five-year Gatsby funding.

We are looking for someone with substantial experience of administration or operations management at a senior level within a complex organisation, together with a proven track record of leading a large support team and delivering operational strategy and change. Experience of financial management, business planning and working with complex funding streams is required. Excellent judgement, communication, organisational and interpersonal skills are also essential, along with the ability to advise and influence senior stakeholders. Experience within UK Higher Education and knowledge of the research funding landscape would be advantageous.

Educated to degree level or with equivalent experience, the successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the aims and objectives of a research-intensive scientific environment and the ability to contribute effectively to its collegial and collaborative culture.

Further information is available via the link on the right. Informal enquiries about the position are welcome and can be addressed to the Director, Professor Henrik Jonsson, henrik.jonsson@slcu.cam.ac.uk

The position is available as soon as a suitable candidate is available.

Applications should include a CV including the names of three referees and a cover letter that clearly demonstrates how you meet the criteria required for the role.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2031 in the first instance.

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

All queries about the position should be directed to Professor Jonsson at henrik.jonsson@slcu.cam.ac.uk

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact our HR Manager, Lisa Walker at hr@slcu.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PT48808 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Key information

Department/location
Sainsbury Laboratory

Salary
£63,606-£67,468

Reference
PT48808

Category
Academic-related

Date published
11 February 2026

Closing date
8 March 2026