At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in a fast-paced scientific environment and support the CEO.
- Company: Exciting Oxford University spin-out with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 10% bonus, and comprehensive company benefits.
- Other info: Join at a pivotal moment with potential for future leadership roles.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing company and take on significant responsibilities.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in scientific or technical operations; PhD preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
- SCIENTIFIC BUSINESS OPERATIONS LEAD
- Onsite five days per week
The opportunity
An ambitious, well-funded Oxford University spin-out is looking for an exceptional Scientific Business Operations Lead to become a trusted partner to its Founder and CEO.
The company is building its technical team following a successful fundraising round and is entering an important phase of growth.
This newly created role will take ownership of the practical demands of running and developing the business, spanning executive support, office and laboratory operations, finance, people, recruitment and wider business delivery.
- SCIENTIFIC BUSINESS OPERATIONS LEAD
- Oxford | Permanent | £75,000 + 10% bonus and company benefits | Onsite five days per week
The opportunity
An ambitious, well-funded Oxford University spin-out is looking for an exceptional Scientific Business Operations Lead to become a trusted partner to its Founder and CEO.
The company is building its technical team following a successful fundraising round and is entering an important phase of growth.
This newly created role will take ownership of the practical demands of running and developing the business, spanning executive support, office and laboratory operations, finance, people, recruitment and wider business delivery.
This is an unusually broad opportunity for someone who combines an understanding of scientific or technical environments with strong operational judgement.
You will be given genuine autonomy and the opportunity to become a central figure in the company's development.
The role
You will bring structure, momentum and dependable follow-through to a fast-moving scientific business.
Senior enough to operate independently and practical enough to remain close to the detail, you will anticipate needs, resolve problems and ensure important work gets done.
- Your Responsibilities Will Include
- Supporting the Founder and CEO with priorities, meetings, actions and follow-through.
- Managing the effective day-to-day operation of the Oxford office and laboratory.
- Coordinating suppliers, purchasing, facilities, equipment and general business administration.
- Supporting budgets, invoices, expenses and relationships with external accountants and advisers.
- Managing routine HR administration, policies, onboarding and employee matters.
- Supporting recruitment processes, including interview coordination, offers and onboarding.
- Maintaining company records, contracts and operational documentation.
- Introducing proportionate systems and processes that help the business operate effectively as it grows.
- Taking ownership of cross-company projects and removing operational bottlenecks.
About you
You will probably have around five to ten years' relevant experience gained within a scientific, laboratory, research, engineering or deep-tech environment.
A Ph D or other advanced scientific qualification may be useful, but it is not essential.
Practical scientific understanding, operational range and the way you approach the work will matter more than any particular qualification.
- You Are Likely To Be
- Highly organised, practical and quick to understand unfamiliar subjects.
- Proactive and autonomous, with a strong record of taking ownership and seeing actions through.
- Motivated by making a meaningful contribution rather than by title or status.
- Comfortable working across scientific, technical, commercial and people-related priorities.
- Willing to move readily between significant business initiatives and routine practical tasks.
- Resourceful, discreet and dependable, with sound judgement.
- Able to build a close and constructive working partnership with a hands-on founder.
- Genuinely committed to working onsite in Oxford five days per week.
Why join?
You will join the company at a formative point in its growth and have considerable scope to shape how it operates.
For the right person, this role offers the opportunity to earn broader operational leadership responsibility as both the company and the position develop—including a potential pathway towards a future COO role.
- Appointment details
- Salary: £75,000 basic
- Benefits: Company benefits package
- Location: Oxford
- Working pattern: Five days per week onsite
- Contract: Permanent
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Scientific Business Operations Lead in Oxford employer: Shareforce
Shareforce is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work environment in the heart of Oxford. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer unique opportunities for professional development alongside hands-on experience in scientific operations. Our commitment to innovation and teamwork ensures that every team member plays a vital role in our mission to advance scientific solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Business Operations Lead in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Scientific Business Operations Lead at Shareforce!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Shareforce or be willing to refer you for that Scientific Business Operations Lead position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Shareforce who’s on the lookout for their next Scientific Business Operations Lead star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Scientific Business Operations Lead role at Shareforce!
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Business Operations Lead in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Shareforce. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shareforce
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Shareforce. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
