Lead Research Operations Manager Location: London, Bristol or Manchester, 2 days on site per week Contract: 6 months, scope to extend Clearance: Active SC is preferred Inside IR35, £675 P/D Overview We are seeking a Lead Research Operations Manager to support a government client focusing on improving and scaling research operations. You will operate at a senior level to remove operational barriers, streamline research practices, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of research delivery across a complex, multi-service environment. Key Responsibilities Lead research operations strategy and execution across key programmes Identify and remove operational blockers to improve research delivery at scale Improve participant recruitment processes across complex and high-risk user groups Establish and enhance governance, ethics, and research processes Work with stakeholders to align solutions and drive adoption of best practice Manage tooling, suppliers, and operational processes to reduce cost and duplication Support the day-to-day running of research operations alongside the wider GDS function Drive process improvement, automation and potential AI adoption where appropriate Essential Experience Strong experience in Research Operations at a senior or lead level Proven ability to operate in leadership roles and influence strategy Experience improving research processes, governance, and tooling Strong stakeholder management and alignment skills Experience working on large-scale programmes or complex organisations Combination of Research Operations and hands-on research understanding Skills & Behaviours Strategic thinker focused on process improvement and efficiency Confident leader able to operate with autonomy Strong collaborator across multidisciplinary teams Ability to work at pace and navigate ambiguity Commercial awareness and financial acumen Desirable Experience within large tech organisations or government departments Background combining public and private sector experience AI or automation experience within research operations Relevant academic background (e.g. HCI, Psychology)
