Business Operations Manager (Mat Cover) in Cambridge

Role Purpose

The Business Operations Manager will support the Health Informatics team at Health Innovation East, which delivers secure data solutions that enable healthcare, research and life sciences organisations to use health data safely and effectively to improve patient outcomes.

Working closely with the Senior Business Operations Manager, you will support the successful delivery of the Health Informatics portfolio through operational leadership, onboarding and induction, business administration, procurement and finance support, recruitment coordination, event management and stakeholder engagement.

This role is ideal for a highly organised, people-focused individual who can manage multiple priorities, work across different systems and processes, and build positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Working with the Senior Business Operations Manager, you will:

• Lead onboarding and induction activities for new starters and student placements.
• Support the development, implementation and continuous improvement of operational processes and guidance.
• Maintain operational templates, checklists and process documentation.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping, action tracking and compliance with organisational procedures.
• Support budget management through purchase orders, invoices, financial tracking and liaison with Finance.
• Coordinate procurement processes and associated documentation.
• Provide operational support to Health Informatics projects, including finance administration, resource coordination, procurement and event logistics.
• Coordinate recruitment activities, interview logistics and onboarding requirements alongside HR and recruiting managers.
• Manage team licences, subscriptions, renewals and supplier information.
• Manage and triage the Health Informatics inbox, resolving routine enquiries and escalating where appropriate.
• Coordinate internal and external events, including travel, accommodation, materials, attendance and follow-up actions.
• Support business planning, reporting and information gathering for the team, Senior Management Team and Board.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage competing priorities proactively and identify potential issues before they arise.

Key Relationships

The post holder will work closely with:

• Senior Business Operations Manager
• Health Informatics Senior Leadership Team
• Health Informatics team members
• HR, Finance and Corporate Services colleagues
• External partners and stakeholders involved in projects and commissions

Responsibilities include supporting communication of new processes, contributing to team development and helping organise team events and away days

Essential Experience and Knowledge

• Experience supporting, coordinating or improving business operations.
• Experience leading or coordinating onboarding and induction processes.
• Experience supporting procurement, financial administration, project operations, event coordination or similar business support functions.
• Ability to gather information from multiple sources and present it clearly for different audiences.
• Understanding of business operations within project, programme or service environments.

Essential Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to present information effectively to different audiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Experience managing shared inboxes or administrative workflows.
• Experience supporting recruitment and coordinating HR-related processes.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

Desirable Knowledge and Experience

• Understanding of the NHS, health research or healthcare innovation landscape.
• Awareness of information governance, data security and compliance requirements.
• Experience using systems such as Jira, Verto, CRM, finance or procurement platforms.
• Experience implementing operational improvements.
• Experience managing licence, subscription or supplier trackers.
• Relevant qualification or training in business administration, operations or project support.

Personal Attributes

• Team-oriented and willing to support colleagues as priorities change.
• Approachable, collaborative and people-focused.
• Committed to providing an excellent onboarding experience for new starters.
• Proactive, adaptable and solution-focused.

Corporate Responsibilities

• Promote health, safety and risk management.
• Comply with data protection and information governance requirements.
• Support a collaborative and innovative working culture.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Work in line with Health Innovation East values and behaviours.
• Contribute to organisational objectives through effective teamwork.

Additional Information

• Educated to degree level or able to demonstrate equivalent professional experience.
• Occasional regional and national travel required.
• Flexibility of working hours may occasionally be required.
• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Key External Stakeholders

May include:

• NHS organisations
• Integrated Care Systems and Integrated Care Boards
• Academic and research institutions
• Industry partners
• Funding and investment organisations
• Local government
• Third sector organisations
• Patient and public involvement groups

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata).
• Employer pension contribution up to 10%.
• Life insurance following successful probation.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Confidential employee wellbeing programme.

This job description is intended as a guide and may be amended in line with organisational needs.