At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for cutting-edge crop improvement projects and manage diverse teams.
- Company: Join Niab, the UK's leading crop science organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, professional development, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and collaboration across sectors.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in agricultural research while building operational systems from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Proven operational management experience and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 62400 - 81900 £ per year.
This role provides the operational backbone for Niab's Crop Improvement Service Group, reporting to the Director of Crop Improvement and sitting on the Cropping Systems Senior Leadership Team.
You'll be responsible for contractual delivery, financial performance, KPIs and operational systems across a group spanning pre-breeding, genomics and precision breeding. You'll manage operational, project management and support staff, oversee resources and equipment, and act as the key link between the group and Niab's Business Services functions.
This is a building role. As the group's scientific scope grows, you'll be creating the operational infrastructure, systems and management information that doesn't yet exist — not just running what's already there.
About You
Proven operational management experience within a research, scientific or professional services environment, with responsibility for delivery performance and financial management. Strong project management skills, excellent financial literacy, and experience building management information systems and KPI frameworks from scratch.
You'll be comfortable managing complex, multi-source funded programmes, and confident working across scientific, commercial and corporate teams. PRINCE2, APM or equivalent is desirable. Niab supports ongoing professional development, including further qualifications such as an MBA.
Location
The role is based at Niab Park Farm Campus, Villa Road, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9AT, 4 miles from Cambridge city centre. Free on-site parking and linked by cycle ways and regular buses to Cambridge city centre and railway station. Close to Junction 32 of A14, with easy access to M11, A10 and A11.
About Us
Niab is the UK’s leading crop science organisation, with research capabilities in plant genetics, agronomy, farming systems and data science, the largest national field trials capability, and strong research links with industry, Government and academia. With headquarters in Cambridge, and regional offices across the country, employing over 350 people across the UK, NIAB advances the role of plant genetic resources through research services and training. Niab’s position at the interface of academic research and commercial breeding offers opportunities for strong collaborations across the plant sciences sector.
Niab actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have a positive approach to employing people living with a disability. Benefits include 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays and 3 days off during the Christmas period, flexible/hybrid working across Cambridge and East Malling, professional development, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, employee discount scheme, free on-site parking and great colleagues.
About the Application Process
Apply by clicking the Apply button above, please read the Job Description, which provide full details about the role, application process and what to expect.
Important Information
This is a UK-based role. You will be required to demonstrate your right to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process. Where the role meets the relevant criteria, we are able to consider Skilled Worker visa sponsorship in line with Home Office requirements. Any offer of sponsorship will be subject to the role meeting the skill and salary thresholds and to the individual meeting the Home Office eligibility criteria.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010.
Niab reserves the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time.
Head of Operations - Crop Improvement in Cambridge employer: NIABHR
Niab is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Histon campus, just a short distance from Cambridge city centre. We prioritise employee growth through ongoing professional development opportunities, including support for further qualifications, and foster a collaborative culture that values diversity and inclusion. With competitive benefits such as flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive team atmosphere, Niab is committed to creating a rewarding workplace for all staff members.
