Operations Manager in Cambridge

West Cambridge | From £45,000 | Full-time, permanent Hybrid (2 days WFH)

Cambridge's innovation ecosystem doesn't run on good ideas alone. It runs on someone making sure those ideas actually get off the ground - and that someone could be you.

Why you will love this role:

You’ll be the operational backbone of our Ecosystem Initiatives & Partnerships (EIP) team at Cambridge Enterprise - the innovation arm of the University of Cambridge. We help turn world-class research into real-world impact. But none of it happens without a team that runs like clockwork. That’s where you come in.

Your days will mix the strategic and the practical - budget planning with Finance one moment, leading a data project in Dynamics 365 the next. You’ll line-manage the Events & Admin Leads and the Data Lead, and work alongside our AI Lead and EIP AI Coach to develop AI agents and automation that genuinely improve how we operate.

And because Cambridge Enterprise is a connected organisation, you won’t be siloed. You’ll represent EIP’s operational needs across the wider business, building relationships with other teams and making sure we’re all pulling in the same direction.

What you’ll take away: deep operational leadership experience within a globally recognised innovation ecosystem, hands-on AI implementation skills, and a network spanning one of Europe’s most successful research and technology clusters.

What we’re looking for:

• Solid experience of operational leadership in a multi-functional role - you’re comfortable managing several moving parts at once
• A process-driven mindset with a genuine enthusiasm for adopting tools, systems, and workflows that raise the bar on quality and compliance
• Exceptional organisation and planning skills - the kind where nothing falls through the cracks
• Experience of budget management and activity reporting
• Confidence using CRM systems (ideally Microsoft Dynamics 365) and turning data into insights that inform real decisions
• Familiarity with AI tools in the workplace - you don’t need to be an expert, but you’re not starting from scratch
• The ability to lead and motivate high-performing teams with warmth and clarity
• Strong communication skills - you can connect with people across different teams and levels without resorting to jargon

Nice to have:

• Experience in innovation, enterprise, research commercialisation, or a similar professional environment
• Knowledge of AI tools or automation workflows beyond the basics
• Familiarity with Cambridge Enterprise’s systems, processes, or organisational structures
• Project management training or a relevant certification

Diversity and equality matter:

These are our ideal requirements, but we know some people are less likely to apply for the role unless they check every single box. At Cambridge Enterprise, we promote a diverse, inclusive and empowering culture, so if you feel you have most of the skills and experience needed, we’d love to hear from you.

If you have any questions about the interview process, or if you need any reasonable adjustments, please don’t hesitate to contact the People and Culture team at.

Why Cambridge Enterprise?

We are at the heart of Europe’s most successful research and technology cluster and we’re on a mission to bring innovation to life, making a difference to society, the UK economy, and the University of Cambridge. We connect the innovative minds of the University’s academics with the funding, start-up expertise and commercial relationships they need to help their ideas thrive.

Perks at a glance:

• 30 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Class-leading Bupa private medical insurance
• Hybrid role with genuine flexible working – including work from abroad for up to 30 days a year in most roles
• Generous University pension scheme.
• A commitment to personal development including LinkedIn learning.
• Family-friendly policies (including enhanced parental leave & childcare benefits, fertility leave, and pregnancy loss leave)
• Mental health and well-being support including access to free counselling.
• Access to Bupa’s Menopause Plan for expert advice and support.
• Retail and travel discounts.

Key dates:

• Closing date: 15 March (midnight)
• First interviews: 27-27 March
• Final interviews: 1-2 April

If we get a strong response, we may close the role a little earlier than planned. This could mean the timelines or key dates shift slightly, so we’d recommend applying soon.