Head of Operations in Glasgow

The James Watt Nanofabrication Centre (JWNC) conducts fundamental, applied, and commercial research, driving development, prototyping, and pilot production using advanced nanofabrication techniques. The Centre collaborates with over 90 national and international universities and research institutes and partners across 28 countries. Its key capabilities include plasma processing, electron beam lithography, photolithography, thin film deposition, and metrology.

The University of Glasgow has over 45 years’ experience of delivering micro- and nano-fabrication to develop solutions in processing, nanotechnology, nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, mm-wave & terahertz, bioengineering, biotechnology, lab-on-a-chip, cleantech & energy, photovoltaics, security & defence and a host of other applications. The JWNC presently has over £70+M of active research grants undertaking micro- and nano-fabrication. The Centre works closely with the University’s wholly owned subsidiary, Kelvin Nanotechnology Ltd (KNT), which provides commercial access to the Centre’s facilities and expertise for industry, governments, institutes and other universities.

Job Purpose

The Head of Operations ensures the effective, sustainable and strategically aligned operation of the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre (JWNC), enabling world-class research and innovation. This role leads business planning, financial management, facilities operation and infrastructure development to optimise facility performance and support long-term growth. Through strong leadership and people management, the postholder fosters a high-performance culture, identifies opportunities for commercialisation and strategic advancement and builds effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Working closely with the Head of Engineering and Process, the Head of Operations will ensure the JWNC is a safe, efficient and innovative environment, underpinned by robust operational systems and resources that support the Centre’s technical and research excellence.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• People & Organisational Leadership: Provide strong, visible leadership for the JWNC, promoting a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement across its operations. Effectively build and lead a high-performing team to deliver an effective and efficient service that aligns with JWNC/School/College/University objectives, ensuring clarity of roles, effective performance management, and staff development. Create an inclusive, engaged and motivated work environment that supports professional development and talent retention. Mentor and support team members, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous learning.
• Operational Leadership: Provide overall leadership for JWNC operations, ensuring that the cleanroom and associated facilities are safe, reliable, and efficiently managed to deliver world-class research. Lead operational planning, scheduling, and service delivery to maximise user satisfaction and ensure compliance with University and statutory requirements. Overall responsibility for developing and embedding robust systems for health & safety, risk management, quality assurance, and compliance, ensuring these frameworks are consistently implemented and maintained. Monitor and enhance JWNC performance through data-driven analysis, implementing service improvements to drive utilisation, impact and cost effectiveness of the facility.
• Financial & Strategic Management: Lead on JWNC’s financial sustainability, including income generation, cost recovery, pricing structures, and budget management. Develop and deliver the JWNC Operational and Business Plans, aligned with University strategy and external partnerships. Identify and drive opportunities for commercialisation and strategic growth, ensuring JWNC remains competitive and future-focused. Manage contracts, commercial agreements, and relationships with industry partners, ensuring mutual benefit and financial resilience. Work collaboratively with colleagues within the School/College/University to enhance service delivery and ensure alignment with wider initiatives.
• Infrastructure & Facilities Development: Oversee lifecycle management of facilities and infrastructure, including equipment replacement, upgrades, and preventative maintenance. Make a leading contribution to capital projects and major developments, including the relocation of JWNC to the Critical Technologies Nanofabrication Facility (CTNF). Work with the Head of Engineering and Process to ensure facilities are future-proofed to meet evolving user needs through strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

• Essential: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9,10 or 11 (Ordinary/Honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification), or equivalent, including being professionally qualified in relevant discipline, with a broad range of professional leadership experience in strategically important specialist areas. Ability to demonstrate the necessary strategic competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and leadership experience in a similar or number of different specialist roles. Extensive knowledge and experience of business functions, operational processes and compliance frameworks in a complex high technology environment.
• Desirable: A PhD or equivalent research experience in Engineering or a closely related discipline.

Skills

• Essential: Demonstrable ability to provide strong operational and strategic leadership within a complex, high technology environment to ensure the delivery of a high-quality, customer focussed, efficient service. Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders, including industry partners and academic collaborators. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to tailor messaging to varied internal and external stakeholders. Strong business focus, with the ability to manage strategic relationships, understand organisational requirements and deliver strategic outcomes.

Experience

• Essential: Previous experience in senior operational leadership role, with a demonstrable ability to shape and deliver against strategic plans. Experience of effectively leading and managing people, promoting employee engagement and maintaining a motivated and productive workforce. Proven track record of delivering operational excellence and driving continuous improvement. Demonstrable experience in financial management, income generation and commercialisation activities. Demonstrable experience of values-led leadership. Experience of working collaboratively with senior colleagues to formulate, develop and deliver major projects and strategic priorities.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 9, £59,966 - £67,468 per annum. This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended (permanent). As a valued member of our team, you can expect: A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared. An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages. A flexible approach to working. A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University. We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community. We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University. We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website for more information.

Closing Date: 11 February 2026