Senior Agile Project and Operations Manager (Fixed Term)

This role is based in a high-performing, research-intensive department of the University, where the delivery of robust, scalable, and innovative IT services is mission-critical. This is a dual-function role responsible for both leading agile delivery practices across engineering teams and managing core business operations. This role ensures that product delivery is predictable and efficient while also maintaining the operational backbone of the organisation. The purpose of the role is to create alignment and efficiency across delivery and operations by taking the lead role in managing various project activities and ensuring the project deliverables are met.

Key elements of the role include:

• Lead the day-to-day running of AIA projects, and establish, develop, and maintain appropriate administration systems and procedures to help ensure the project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Implement agile practices across multiple squads, tailoring frameworks to suit project needs and organisational culture. Lead key agile ceremonies, ensuring they are purposeful and outcome-driven. Oversee programme-level planning, dependency management, and delivery governance to provide predictability and alignment across teams. Track and report on delivery KPIs, preparing weekly status reports and dashboards for leadership and stakeholders. Maintain Jira/Confluence as the authoritative source of truth for project tracking and delivery documentation.
• Monitor finances and expenditure to ensure it is properly planned, compile and present draft budgets for approval, monitor expenditure against budget, account for variances, keep management up to date and flag up any concerns.
• Evaluate and understand recruitment requirements for the projects. Prepare the role/project descriptions, and coordinate staff and students with HR for recruitment purposes. Collaborate with HR team throughout the complete hiring process, from preparing role profiles to onboarding the successful individuals.
• Manage and organise project and programme meetings, including developing a strategy and structure to align with the project objectives.
• Identify opportunities to optimise delivery and business operations. Advise engineering and product teams on agile best practices, product management metrics, and delivery improvements. Foster a culture of continuous improvement across the project team.

What You'll Bring

• 5+ years of professional experience in Agile Project Management and Product Management in a technology/SaaS environment.
• Proven track record of leading agile delivery across multiple squads or programs, with demonstrable impact on predictability, velocity, and outcomes.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience managing business operations, including recruitment and HR coordination, finance processes, vendor and supplier management, and general administration.
• Experienced user of Microsoft Office, Project management software such as Jira/Taiga.
• A degree in Economics, Management, Engineering or IT or other relevant subject.
• Agile Project Management Scrum Master certification.
• Strong understanding and application of agile delivery frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, and hybrid approaches.
• Proactive self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and a drive to streamline and optimise core business operations and project management processes, demonstrating attention to detail and a thoughtful approach within university frameworks.

What We Offer

• A leadership role with purpose in a high-impact initiative.
• The opportunity to shape technical systems and innovation that directly influence global sustainability.
• Access to University resources and collaboration with leading researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
• A dynamic and supportive working environment with flexible working options.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 6 months 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.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR Office at the Department of Engineering (hr-office@eng.cam.ac.uk, 01223 332615).

Please quote reference NM47721 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.

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Key information

Department/location

Department of Engineering

Salary

£42,254-£56,535

Reference

NM47721

Category

Academic-related

Date published

24 October 2025

Closing date

9 November 2025

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