Operations Manager (Biomedical Research Centre) Full Time

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

This post is only open to internal applicants

Main duties of the job

The Operations Manager for the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth, effective and high quality delivery of our world leading research programmes.

This role exists to make sure our BRC leaders, researchers, delivery teams and partners have the operational support, systems and resources they need to produce outstanding research that improves patient care and advances healthcare innovation.

As a key member of the BRC Management Team, you will support shaping and driving the strategic direction of the BRC—working with research themes, enabling collaboration between University Hospital Southampton and the University of Southampton, and supporting national NIHR priorities.

Your leadership will have a direct impact on the performance, efficiency and sustainability of our research infrastructure, ensuring we meet national targets and deliver maximum value for patients and partners.

You will report to the Senior Programme Manager and work closely with the BRC Directors, Theme Leads, administrative staff, researchers and professional service teams across both institutions.

You will also line manage members of the BRC operational team, providing guidance, development and clear direction. The role is highly collaborative and is central to maintaining a positive, productive and well coordinated research environment.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England’s largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Responsibilities

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Role

This role provides a unique opportunity to help shape and support the operational delivery of a nationally recognised NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). As the Operations Manageryou will:

• Lead the effective day to day operational management of the BRC, ensuring BRC activity is delivered efficiently, on time and in line with NIHR and Trust expectations.
• Drive service improvement by reviewing and modernising administrative processes and information flows to enhance performance across the BRC.
• Work closely with senior leaders, researchers and external partners to support strategic planning, negotiate operational solutions and ensure compliance with governance, reporting and performance standards.
• Line manage members of the BRC operational team, providing leadership, development and support while ensuring staff performance, training needs and workload are appropriately managed.

What Experience/Skills Are Needed

The ideal candidate will need to demonstrate:

• Proven experience of leading operational services or projects at a senior level, preferably within a research, NHS or complex organisational environment.
• Strong leadership, people management and communication skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and manage change effectively.
• Advanced analytical and IT skills, with the ability to work with complex datasets, interpret information and produce high quality reports to support decision making.
• Experience of managing resources, budgets or service delivery arrangements, demonstrating sound judgement and the ability to resolve issues proactively.

Additional Important Information

• This role may involve a mixture of on site and remote working depending on operational needs.
• As part of working within a research environment, the postholder must comply with all Trust safeguarding requirements and maintain essential training, including Mental Capacity Act (2005) compliance.
• The postholder may occasionally need to travel between Trust or University sites for meetings and collaboration across the UHS/UoS partnership.
• As a line manager and budgetary delegate, the successful candidate will be expected to act as an authorising signatory and ensure accuracy in research activity recording, reporting and governance processes.

Person specification

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• First degree/equivalent professional qualification/equivalent experience
• Leadership training
• Management training
• Training and experience to Masters’ or equivalent level/post graduate level study
• Project Management qualification / further training or demonstrates substantial level of project delivery experience

Desirable criteria

• Previous proven experience in a healthcare setting