Head of Operations, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology (184926)
Grade: 10: £65,336 to £75,439 per annum.
Closing date: 10 March 2026
As Head of Operations you will provide leadership across a wide portfolio including operations, estates, finance, research grant management, small research facilities, HR, and communications at the Kennedy Institute.
This is a full-time, permanent position. The role is based within NDORMS with flexibility to work from home for up to 40% of time once established in post.
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding senior professional services leader to the role of Head of Operations at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, part of NDORMS within the Medical Sciences Division.
Reporting jointly to the Kennedy Institute Director and the NDORMS Chief Operating Officer, and serving on the Institute’s Management Committee, you will provide leadership across a wide portfolio including operations, estates, finance, research grant management, small research facilities, HR, and communications. You will work closely with senior academic and professional colleagues across NDORMS and the wider University to ensure alignment of priorities, strong governance, and excellent service delivery.
This is a highly influential and varied role requiring exceptional judgement, strategic insight, and the ability to lead through complexity. You will have a proven track record of senior operational leadership ideally in a university or research environment with significant experience in financial planning, estates oversight, process improvement, and leading high‑performing teams. You will be an effective communicator and negotiator, with the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and manage relationships across diverse organisations, including external partners.
You will also bring strong analytical skills, a proactive and pragmatic approach, and the ability to navigate a dynamic and evolving research landscape. An understanding of research funding and grant management is essential, as is the ability to develop robust business plans and manage risk across a complex institute.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and ambitious professional to contribute to the success of a world-class research institute and play a key leadership role within one of the largest departments in the Medical Sciences Division.
What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.
Application Process
The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.
Applications for this vacancy should be made online and must include a CV and a supporting statement explaining how you meet the selection criteria, using examples of your skills and experience.
Interested applicants can contact Mark McDermott, NDORMS Chief Operating Officer for an informal discussion: mark.mcdermott@ndorms.ox.ac.uk
Only applications received before 12 midday on Tuesday 10 March 2026 will be considered. Interviews will take place on Thursday 19 March 2026.
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