At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and finance for a prestigious Oxford University department.
- Company: Join a leading research and clinical centre at Oxford University.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Other info: Immediate start needed; on-site work essential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while managing operations and finances in a renowned institution.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in operations or project management required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for a highly organised and proactive Temporary Operations Manager to join a prestigious Oxford University department based in Headington. This is a varied and fast‑paced role offering the opportunity to support the operational, financial, and strategic management of a leading research and clinical centre. Working closely with Senior Leadership, the successful candidate will oversee the smooth day‑to‑day running of the Centre, ensuring operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and excellent stakeholder support across a wide range of activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Finance & Commercial Operations
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial monitoring, and reporting activities.
- Manage costing and pricing of services to ensure full cost recovery and long‑term sustainability.
- Oversee expenditure, supplier payments, billing processes, and financial reconciliations.
- Liaise with University finance teams to support grants, invoices, purchase orders, and funding applications.
- Identify opportunities for income generation and support the development of new revenue streams.
- Negotiate supplier and service contracts to ensure value for money.
- Operations & Administration
- Oversee the effective day‑to‑day management of the Centre and its administrative functions.
- Troubleshoot operational issues and implement practical solutions to maintain business continuity.
- Support recruitment activities including drafting job descriptions, coordinating interviews, and liaising with HR.
- Organise committees, meetings, and high‑level events, including agendas, minutes, venues, catering, and budget management.
- Maintain accurate electronic and paper filing systems and oversee administrative support staff.
- Support facilities management, equipment maintenance, space allocation, and refurbishment projects.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communications
- Act as a key point of contact for staff, researchers, clinicians, and external stakeholders.
- Provide guidance on University policies and procedures.
- Manage and update the Centre website, ensuring information remains accurate and engaging.
- Build strong working relationships across the University and NHS partners.
- Support public engagement and promotional activities on behalf of the Centre.
- Health & Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with University and NHS health and safety regulations.
- Monitor incidents, report faults promptly, and support resolution of operational issues.
- Assist in maintaining security systems, equipment servicing schedules, and operational compliance standards.
About You
- Degree educated or equivalent professional experience.
- Proven experience in operations, administration, or project management within a complex organisation.
- Strong financial and budget management experience.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.
- Previous staff management experience and strong IT skills, including MS Office applications.
- Professional, adaptable, and able to handle confidential matters with discretion.
Please be aware that all candidates need to be able to start work immediately and must be able to work on site if required to do so.
Temporary Operations Manager - Finance & Ops Lead in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
Join a prestigious Oxford University department as a Temporary Operations Manager, where you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment. With a strong focus on professional development, this role offers unique opportunities to engage with senior leadership and contribute to the operational and financial success of a leading research and clinical centre. Enjoy the benefits of working in Headington, a vibrant area that fosters collaboration and innovation, while being part of a team dedicated to excellence in healthcare and research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Temporary Operations Manager - Finance & Ops Lead in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at the University. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Centre and its operations. Understand their challenges and think about how you can contribute. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Temporary Operations Manager - Finance & Ops Lead in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Temporary Operations Manager. Highlight your experience in operations, finance, and stakeholder management, as these are key for this position. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team at the Oxford University department. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills:Since this role requires excellent organisational skills, give examples in your application of how you've successfully managed multiple priorities in the past. We love seeing candidates who can juggle tasks like pros!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Temporary Operations Manager, you'll be dealing with budgets and financial reports. Brush up on your financial terminology and be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial monitoring. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed costs or improved financial processes in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
This role requires excellent organisational abilities. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed multiple priorities or streamlined operations in a fast-paced environment. Think about specific projects where your organisational skills made a significant impact.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder engagement is key in this position. Come equipped with examples of how you've built relationships with various stakeholders, whether in a university setting or elsewhere. Highlight your communication skills and how you've navigated complex interactions to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Operational issues can arise unexpectedly, so it's crucial to show that you can troubleshoot effectively. Prepare to discuss a time when you faced a significant operational challenge and the steps you took to resolve it. Emphasise your proactive approach and ability to implement practical solutions.
