Operations Manager

We are seeking a highly skilled Operations Manager to work alongside our existing Operations Manager to provide the operational and managerial leadership of the Thomas Ashton Institute. Working with the Leadership Team and our Research Themes and Platforms, you will engage academics across the University, HSE colleagues and external stakeholders to build the research, teaching and learning portfolio to identify fruitful synergies and funding opportunities. You will also take the lead in further building a sense of Institute identity across the University and reaching into the HSE.

You will be responsible for:

• Providing the operational and managerial leadership of the Institute.
• Engaging academics across the University, HSE colleagues and external stakeholders to build the research, teaching and learning portfolio to identify fruitful synergies and funding opportunities.
• Taking the lead in further building a sense of Institute identity across the University and reaching into the HSE.
• Managing the TAI professional services team and having overall responsibility for the financial management of the Institute.
• Working together with the Institute’s Leadership Team to ensure the development and execution of the Institute’s Strategic and Operational plans.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

Essential Criteria:

• A proven ability to work effectively within and lead a diverse team across organisational boundaries to formulate and realise common strategic and operational objectives.
• A proactive, highly skilled, organised and motivated operational leader.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary research setting with the relevant skill set and experience to provide operational leadership and management of the Institute on a day-to-day basis.
• Ability to develop and maintain partnerships.
• A strong commitment to open communication, flexibility and participation at all levels.

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

The post is available from 5 October 2026 for a 2-year fixed-term period.

Our benefits include:

• Competitive pension scheme
• Generous holiday allowance plus 4 closure days
• Training and development opportunities
• Flexible and friendly working environment
• Opportunity for flexible working
• Secondment opportunities would be considered

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Polly Greensmith, Head of Institute Operations
Email Address: polly.greensmith@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support

recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

Jobtrain Client Support Hub

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.