Operations Director

Operations Director

Location - Cambridge (Hybrid)

Durartion - 6 months (Initially)

IR35 - Inside (Must use an umbrella company)

We are seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead the operational delivery, performance, and long-term sustainability of a high-impact, technology-led organisation operating at the intersection of research, industry, and innovation.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for translating strategic objectives into operational outcomes, overseeing multiple specialist functions, and ensuring financial sustainability, risk management, and delivery excellence across a complex portfolio of initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the organisation's operational strategy in line with its mission and long-term objectives.
• Provide senior leadership across core operational functions, ensuring alignment, coordination, and performance.
• Oversee operational planning, execution, governance, and performance monitoring.
• Lead financial oversight, resource allocation, and risk management activities.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships across industry, government, and academia.
• Ensure teams are effectively structured, developed, and led to deliver strategic goals.
• Provide regular reporting and assurance to senior governance bodies.

About You

• Proven senior leadership experience within a complex organisation, ideally within technology, innovation, research, or highly regulated environments.
• Strong strategic and operational leadership capability, with experience translating strategy into delivery.
• Demonstrable experience managing senior stakeholders and high-value partnerships.
• Strong financial, commercial, and performance management skills.
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities, with confidence operating at executive level.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and complex programmes.

Desirable

• Background in engineering, science, technology, or innovation-led environments.
• Experience spanning industry-academic or public-private collaboration.
• Understanding of intellectual property, commercialisation, or technology transfer pathways.