At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and ensure smooth running of the Quadram Institute's scientific services.
- Company: Join the innovative Quadram Institute Bioscience, focused on health and nutrition research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in health research while working with top scientists and clinicians.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management, lab management, and health and safety required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Salary: A competitive remuneration and benefits package is available commensurate with the successful applicant’s experience.
Contract Length: This is a full-time permanent position.
We’re looking for a Director of Operations to join our Directorate Department. Quadram Institute Bioscience was established with a clear vision — to understand how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Today, Quadram Institute Bioscience is entering a new and exciting phase of growth. Our focus is now defined through our impact-driven framework, Healthy Living by Design, which aims to promote lifelong health by decoding the complex relationships between food, nutrition, microbes, microbiomes, and human biology — and translating this into practical, innovative solutions in partnership with clinicians, industry, and policy leaders.
Our research responds directly to the UK’s most pressing challenges:
- Rising rates of obesity and diet-related disease
- Increasing pressures on food systems from climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and global supply-chain fragility
Quadram Institute Bioscience operates as part of the broader Quadram Institute, a partnership that manages the building, the clinical research facility and the biorepository. In close collaboration with University of East Anglia, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), we bring together scientists and clinicians within a state-of-the-art facility on the Norwich Research Park. This co-location enables integration of fundamental research, clinical translation, and innovation.
This is a really exciting time to join the institute following the recent appointment of Professor Daniel Figeys as Director. Reporting to the Director, the Director of Operations is responsible for the design, operation and delivery of Quadram Institute Bioscience/Quadram Institute operations and scientific services. The post holder will work closely with the Director and the Quadram Institute Bioscience/Quadram Institute Management Boards to deliver the operational strategy which is critical to the success of the Institute.
The Director of Operations is a key member of the leadership team and will lead a range of management activities supporting the delivery of our scientific vision. Leading, coordinating and ensuring efficient delivery of the operational activities are key requirements of this role. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the Institute. With experience in Facilities Management, Lab Management, and Health and Safety, they will be used to operating in a complex environment with multiple stakeholders.
The ideal candidate will have knowledge and understanding of scientific research and senior leadership experience in a relevant setting. The post holder will have demonstrable ability to manage, support and motivate teams ensuring the highest levels of performance are achieved. This role is based in Norwich, Norfolk. A competitive remuneration and benefits package is available commensurate with the successful applicant’s experience. This is a full-time post for an indefinite period.
This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all sectors of society. The institute values of People-Centred Impact, Inclusive Excellence, Trusted Integrity, Collaborative Spirit and Agile Innovation are at the heart of all we do, and we expect all employees to share and display these values. To support our commitment, we have a range of family, faith and diversity friendly working arrangements to help all staff achieve excellence in their area of work. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.
About the Quadram Institute: The Quadram Institute is an interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to understanding how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Our vision is Healthy living by design: promoting lifelong health by decoding the interactions between food science, nutrition, microbes, microbiomes and human physiology, and transforming this knowledge into innovative solutions for society. A partnership between Quadram Institute Bioscience, the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and BBSRC, The Quadram Institute brings together scientists and clinicians in a state-of-the-art building on the Norwich Research Park. This is one of Europe’s largest centres of life sciences and home of the John Innes Centre and The Earlham Institute.
The closing date for applications will be 4 June 2026. The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Director of Operations in Norfolk employer: QUADRAM INSTITUTE BIOSCIENCE
Quadram Institute Bioscience is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration at the forefront of health and nutrition research. Located in the vibrant Norwich Research Park, employees benefit from a state-of-the-art facility and a culture that prioritises equity, diversity, and inclusion, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a commitment to impactful research and a supportive team atmosphere, this is a unique opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful contribution to public health.
Contact Detail:
QUADRAM INSTITUTE BIOSCIENCE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations in Norfolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Quadram Institute. Attend industry events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Quadram Institute’s recent projects and initiatives. Show that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about their mission of promoting health through food and microbes. Tailor your answers to reflect their values!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your experience in Facilities Management and Lab Management, as these are key for the Director of Operations role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Quadram Institute team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations in Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Facilities Management, Lab Management, and Health and Safety. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Quadram Institute Bioscience!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a key member of our leadership team, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to manage and motivate teams. Share specific examples of how you've led projects or initiatives in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your achievements and experiences are easy to understand and relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Quadram Institute.
How to prepare for a job interview at QUADRAM INSTITUTE BIOSCIENCE
✨Know the Institute Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into understanding Quadram Institute Bioscience's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their focus on Healthy Living by Design and how they tackle pressing challenges like obesity and climate change. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in complex environments. Highlight your ability to motivate others and ensure high performance, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle multiple stakeholders. Think of scenarios where you've had to negotiate or resolve conflicts, especially in facilities or lab management. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Quadram Institute values equity and inclusion, so be ready to discuss how you've fostered a diverse work environment in your previous roles. Share any initiatives you've led or participated in that promote inclusivity, as this will resonate well with their organisational culture.
