Director of Operations

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] (QIB) was established with a clear vision — to understand how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Today, QIB is entering a new and exciting phase of growth. Our focus is now defined through our impact-driven framework, Healthy Living by Design, which aims to promote lifelong health by decoding the complex relationships between food, nutrition, microbes, microbiomes, and human biology — and translating this into practical, innovative solutions in partnership with clinicians, industry, and policy leaders.

QIB’s research responds directly to the UK’s most pressing challenges: rising rates of obesity and diet-related disease; increasing pressures on food systems from climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and global supply-chain fragility.

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], the research institute, operates as part of the broader [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] (QI), a partnership that manages the building, the clinical research facility and the biorepository. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], in close collaboration with University of East Anglia, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), brings together scientists and clinicians within a state-of-the-art facility on the Norwich Research Park.

This is a really exciting time to join the institute following the recent appointment of Prof Daniel Figeys as Director. Reporting to the Director, the Director of Operations is responsible for the design, operation and delivery of [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]/[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] operations and scientific services.

Reporting to the Institute Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), this key role is responsible for the design, operation and delivery of operations and scientific services that will ensure delivery of excellent support to [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. The postholder is the principal advisor to the CEO and the Board on all operational matters.

The post holder will work closely with the Institute Director, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Executive Board, and [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Board of Trustees to plan and implement the operational strategy, to ensure the success of the institute as it enters the next stage of development.

The Director of Operations will lead on a range of management activities to ensure that [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] can effectively deliver its scientific vision. Leading, coordinating and efficiently delivering the operational activities are key requirements of this role. As part of the senior Executive team, you will support cultural change and institute sustainability.

Internal: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Board of Trustees, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Executive Board including NI2SP and Pillar Leads, Laboratory operations/Health and Safety/Scientific services teams, NBI Partnership and partner organisations (Human Resources, IT/Computing, Finance, Health and Safety, Risk Management), Facilities Management team, Intelligent Client for QI.

External: QI Partners Board of Trustees, QI Executive Group, BBSRC, Anglian Innovation Partnership LLP, Norwich Research Park, The John Innes Centre, Earlham Institute, The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and other research institutes, universities, schools, commercial organisations and funding agencies.

Education & Qualifications: Professionally qualified with relevant degree/postgraduate (Essential); Health and Safety qualification (Desirable); Financial/accountancy qualification (Desirable); PhD or equivalent experience (Desirable).

Specialist Knowledge & Skills: Significant knowledge of scientific research and research management (Essential); UK Health and Safety regulations (Essential); Financial management and grant funding (Essential).

Relevant Experience: Budget, asset, people and risk management in results-focused organisation (Essential); Senior leadership in similar organisation (Essential); Managing complex multifunctional relationships (Essential); Facilities management and capital planning (Essential); Health and Safety in UK research sector (Desirable); Project/Change management (Desirable); Senior leadership in public/private research institution (Desirable).

Management and Leadership: Establishes clear performance standards (Essential); Reviews operational effectiveness (Essential); Manages and motivates teams (Essential).

Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Resilient and innovative (Essential); Commercial acumen (Essential); Interpersonal skills (Essential); Discretion and sound judgment (Essential); Excellent communication (Essential); Engages staff at all levels (Essential); Emotional and political intelligence (Essential).

Additional Requirements: Attention to detail (Essential); Promotes equality and diversity (Essential); Willingness to embrace values and behaviours (Essential); Presents positive image (Essential); Works outside standard hours when required (Essential).

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is at the forefront of a new interface between food science, gut biology and health, developing solutions to worldwide challenges in food-related disease and human health. We are engaged in fundamental and translational food and health research. The [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is a diverse and multicultural scientific community. We thrive on our international and European links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal].

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. The closing date for applications is 4 June 2026.