Operations Lead - UKRI Talent in Swindon

We are recruiting an Operations Lead within the UKRI Talent team, who will support the delivery of UKRI Talent programmes, including the Policy Fellowships and the Future Leaders Fellowships, by leading the operational processes associated with delivery of peer review and/or assessment panels. The role will also contribute to the strategic development of UKRI Talent in the context of the recently published People and Culture Strategy, which prioritises renewing the UK’s position as a global leader in R&D by attracting, retaining and developing talented people.

Key responsibilities:

• Leading the operational delivery of UKRI Talent programmes to ensure the effective delivery of peer review and/or assessment panels.
• Promoting consistency and quality in the mechanisms supporting funding decisions, by ensuring that areas of improvement for operational delivery are recorded and progressed.
• Reporting and analysing information to build progress updates and inform decision making.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including working collaboratively across UKRI and its Councils/Innovate UK and Government Departments.
• Ensuring clear communication with the community, via maintenance of call information/guidance, webinars, website content and responding to external queries.
• Effectively managing team-member delivery & performance - implementing training programmes for staff to ensure long-term capability within the team.
• Line management of up to four direct reports, with a commitment to supporting and developing staff.
• Carry out any other duties/projects that may be required of the post across UKRI Talent.

Person requirements:

• Educated to degree-level or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Experience of working in a research and/or innovation environment, with a clear understanding of the assessment process of funding applications.
• Excellent communication skills; experience of presenting information persuasively and succinctly and negotiating effectively with others.
• Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to manage changing and/or conflicting priorities and time optimally.
• Ability to work with ambiguity and respond to difficult situations by showing initiative and judgement in an evolving environment.
• Demonstrable analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to demonstrate experience of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, both internally and externally and at all levels of seniority.
• Experience of operational task management - specifically supporting delivery of operational activities through delegation.

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.
• Plus, many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

As an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer, UKRI is proud to have created a workplace where everyone can thrive and achieve their full potential. This ensures that all employees, regardless of their background or circumstances, have equal access to opportunities and resources within the organization.

How to apply:

For full details, please visit our careers site. Please submit an application including your CV and a Cover Letter that showcases how your skills and experience align to the requirements of the role. A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.

Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact.