ACE - Centre Operations Manager

About the Actinides Centre of Excellence

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in establishing and shaping the new Actinides Centre of Excellence (ACE) at the University of Manchester.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Centre Operations Manager to lead the operational, administrative and strategic support functions of ACE.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership as a core member of the Centre’s Management Team.
• Lead operational implementation of Centre strategy.
• Drive continuous improvement and service excellence.
• Oversee budget planning and monitoring.
• Manage and develop Centre professional services staff.
• Build relationships across university and partners.
• Support grant applications, data tracking and engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with university policies.

About You

You will bring significant leadership and operational management experience, ideally gained within a research, innovation or complex organisational environment. You will be confident managing multiple priorities, exercising sound judgement, and leading teams through change. Your communication and interpersonal skills will enable you to influence, collaborate and build strong relationships across academic, professional services and external partners.

You will be strategic, analytical and solutions‑focused, able to translate high‑level aims into effective processes. You should have experience overseeing budgets, supporting grant development and maintaining compliant, well‑governed operations, with an understanding of research environments and stakeholder engagement. You will also demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, contributing to a positive and values‑led working culture.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through the University of Manchester’s careers website and complete the online application form. You will be asked to upload a CV and supporting statement addressing the essential (and desirable) criteria outlined in the person specification.

Additional requirements

Due to the nature of this role and the level of security clearance required, applications can only be accepted from British nationals. These clearances require residence in the United Kingdom for five years. The position is conditional upon these authorisations, and obtaining and continuing to hold the security clearance, where required. You will be contacted after offer to provide the relevant information for the clearance process. Please see the security vetting link from UK Government on requirements.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels

What will you get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our university is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to people.talent@manchester.ac.uk

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Robert Jones

Email: robert.jones-3@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.