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- Tasks: Lead and transform operations at BBSRC, driving impactful research and innovation.
- Company: Join UKRI, the UK's largest public funder of research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in bioscience and contribute to global challenges.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in complex operations and strategic change.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a culture of continuous learning await you.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
SALARY: £94,931-£117,800 Per annum
HOURS: Full Time or Part Time (Minimum 0.8 FTE)
CONTRACT END DATE: 1st February 2028
LOCATION: Swindon with travel to other locations
CLOSING DATE: 15th March 23:55
SHORTLISTING: W/C 6th April
INTERVIEWS: W/C 20TH April
ABOUT UKRI
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is the UK’s largest public funder of research and innovation. We invest more than £8 billion annually to advance our understanding of society and the world around us and deliver benefits for society, the economy and the environment.
ABOUT BBSRC
BBSRC is the major funder of world-leading bioscience in the UK. Through our investments, we build and support a vibrant, dynamic and inclusive research and innovation community which delivers ground-breaking discoveries, innovative technologies and develops bio-based solutions that contribute to tackling global challenges, such as sustainable food production, climate change, and healthy ageing.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Chief Operating Officer for BBSRC is a significant role within our Executive Leadership Team, aligned to the UKRI strategy, enabling BBSRC to continue its influential roles in research and innovation within UKRI and beyond.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Leadership
- Act to support the Executive Chair, and fellow members of the Executive Leadership Team, to ensure the smooth running of BBSRC.
- Inspiring, empowering and developing the BBSRC team.
- Planning and Programme support.
- Finance and Commercial.
- Human Resources.
- Governance, Assurance, Risk, Information (GARI) and Legal.
- Information Technology, Facilities, Administration.
- Safety, Health and Environment.
- Projects, ad-hoc activities.
ABOUT YOU
You will demonstrate significant experience of managing operations of comparable scale and complexity to BBSRC. In addition, you will be qualified to degree level in a business discipline or demonstrate significant equivalent experience.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- Significant experience of managing operations of comparable scale and complexity to BBSRC, all while working at pace.
- Significant experience of leading and driving organisational change and managing operations.
- Proven track record of working with boards at a senior level and with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
- A motivational and inspirational leader with experience of successfully leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Ability to operate successfully at strategic level.
- Effective communication, interpersonal, relationship building, collaboration, customer relations and influencing skills.
- Demonstrate an understanding of governance and risk management principles.
APPLICATION GUIDANCE
As part of your application, you will need to submit:
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A Supporting Statement – covering the essential criteria
BENEFITS
- An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- 30 days’ annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
- Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
- Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
- Flexible working options
Chief Operating Officer in Swindon employer: BBSRC
Contact Detail:
BBSRC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the research and innovation sector. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise common interview questions and be ready to showcase your leadership skills and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Chief Operating Officer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, so keep checking back regularly!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Stellar CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Keep it concise, no more than two to three pages, and tailor it to highlight your experience relevant to the Chief Operating Officer role. Remember, we want to see how your skills align with our mission at BBSRC.
Nail the Supporting Statement: This is your chance to shine! Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your supporting statement. Clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria and show us why you're the perfect fit for the role.
Be Authentic: We love genuine candidates! Don’t just list your achievements; share your passion for research and innovation. Let us know what drives you and how you can contribute to our vision of a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at BBSRC
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into UKRI and BBSRC's mission, values, and recent projects. Understanding their strategic goals will help you align your experience with what they’re looking for in a Chief Operating Officer.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully led teams through change. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare scenarios where you've managed complex operations or driven organisational change, using the STAR method to structure your responses.
✨Engage with Empathy
As a COO, effective communication and relationship-building are key. Practice active listening and be prepared to discuss how you’ve built cross-functional relationships in previous roles, demonstrating your ability to collaborate across various levels of an organisation.