At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic IT team in developing and supporting innovative systems and services.
- Company: Join the Faculty of Human Social and Political Sciences at a prestigious university.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in an Agile environment while supporting academic excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical management and a passion for team development.
- Other info: Located in the heart of Cambridge with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Faculty of Human Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) IT team is looking for a technical manager to lead the Development and Infrastructure Operations team by providing day-to-day technical and operational hands-on expertise for the team of four and its projects. This candidate will lead from the front in developing and supporting the Development and Infrastructure needs of the Faculty and supported departments.
This role reports to the IT Manager for the Faculty team and will work closely with the Front Line Services team manager to deliver the support, systems and services required by the Faculty of HSPS and the department of History and Philosophy of Science (HPS). The team is an Agile, DevOps focused group who support a variety of bespoke systems and services which underpin the teaching, research and administrative needs of the Faculty.
Based around a core technology stack of Python, PHP, Django, GitLab and SharePoint, often overlaying database technologies such as MySQL and Postgres, the team uses Jira for all development and project work. Additionally, the team provides support for a Filemaker based collections database system and web portals for the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and the Whipple museum, along with some other smaller collections data. All production services are deployed to the University Information Services Infrastructure as a Service platform.
We are looking for an agile experienced technical manager who will be able to lead the team to continuously improve and develop the systems we have and to be able to deliver with the team new services as required. The role holder will be responsible for team motivation, performance and development. The role is based in the centre of Cambridge and we operate a flexible hybrid approach to working. Experience of working in an Academic environment would be advantageous.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check. The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on Monday 4th May 2026. The interview will be held as soon as possible thereafter. Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Andrew Judd the IT Manager for the Faculty Team, atj20@cam.ac.uk. If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact hr@hsps.cam.ac.uk. Please quote reference JB49304 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.
Operations Manager [Full-time] in Cambridge employer: Burwell Help Group
Contact Detail:
Burwell Help Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager [Full-time] in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those who work at the University or in similar roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the job and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Faculty of HSPS and its projects. Show us you’re genuinely interested in what we do and how you can contribute to our Agile, DevOps-focused team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, but also be ready for technical challenges related to Python, PHP, and other tools we use. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in our minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager [Full-time] in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience with Agile and DevOps, and don’t forget to mention any relevant technical skills like Python or GitLab. We want to see how you can lead our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our Development and Infrastructure Operations team. Share specific examples of how you've motivated teams and improved systems in the past.
Show Your Passion for Academia: Since this role is in an academic environment, let us know why you’re excited about working in this field. Mention any previous experience in similar settings and how you can contribute to the Faculty of HSPS.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Burwell Help Group
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Familiarise yourself with the core technologies mentioned in the job description, like Python, PHP, Django, and GitLab. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these tools and how you can leverage them to improve the team's operations.
✨Show Your Agile Mindset
Since the team operates in an Agile environment, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully implemented Agile methodologies in past projects. Highlight your ability to adapt and lead teams through change while maintaining focus on continuous improvement.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a potential manager, it's crucial to showcase your leadership style. Prepare to discuss how you motivate teams, manage performance, and foster development. Use specific examples that illustrate your approach to team dynamics and conflict resolution.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team’s current projects, challenges they face, and their vision for future developments. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the team culture aligns with your values.