Science and Technology Facilities Council
Role: Chief Operating Officer, STFC
Salary: £91,943 - £99,500 per annum (depending on skills and experience)
Hours: Full time
Contract: Open Ended
Location: Based in Harwell, Didcot; with regular travel to UKRI locations and occasional international travel
Closing date: 20th January 2025 (23:59)
Interviews are expected to be held in person on Monday 10 February 2025
Please note, we will have reduced staff during the Christmas period, therefore, any questions related to this role should be emailed to and we will respond as soon as possible.
Are you an inspiring leader with a drive for innovation and a commitment to operational excellence?
STFC invites you to help shape the future of research and innovation as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
The Role
As COO, you will report directly to the STFC Executive Chair and play a pivotal role in delivering STFC's mission within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
This executive leadership position oversees key corporate functions, including:
Business Continuity & Risk Management Digital Infrastructure Environmental Sustainability Estates, which include 123 buildings and covers 180 acres over 5 sites Health and Safety Continuous Improvement You will serve as a trusted partner to UKRI corporate functions such as Finance, HR, Legal, and Procurement, ensuring STFC receives high-quality support while leading the strategic alignment of operations to the UKRI strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic oversight of support services - Direct management of Business Continuity, Digital Infrastructure, Environmental Sustainability, Estates, Health & Safety, and Continuous Improvement Indirect oversight of core functions - Indirect responsibility for HR, Finance, Governance/Legal, Assurance, Risk, Information (GARI), and Procurement Leadership and governance - Act as a visible leader within the STFC Executive Board, champion corporate governance, and ensure alignment with UKRI strategy and statutory obligations Transformation and strategy alignment - Support the Executive Chair in transforming STFC to align with UKRI's strategic vision Corporate collaboration - Work with Executive Directors to drive people performance, strengthen strategic relationships, and maximise science and industry impact Continuous improvement - Champion organisational design, simplification, and harmonisation to enhance delivery capability and efficiency Finance and procurement - Ensure financial controls and significant procurement processes align with UKRI policies and public finance standards Safety, health, and environment - Lead SHE initiatives to maintain a safe working environment and drive sustainability goals, including achieving Net Zero by 2040 Estates and facilities management - Oversee strategic planning for estates services, infrastructure, and space management to ensure fit-for-purpose facilities Stakeholder engagement - Build strong relationships across STFC, UKRI, and external stakeholders to support organisational goals through influence and collaboration What we're looking for:
An experienced and inspirational leader, with:
A degree in Business or equivalent significant experience (professional qualifications in financial or project management are desirable) Proven experience of working with Boards at a senior level with diverse internal and external stakeholders Proven success in delivering organisational change and leading corporate services at a senior level Strategic vision with the ability to translate goals into actionable outcomes First-class communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills Experience in the research and innovation sector or public sector is desirable This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, operational expertise, and the ability to lead diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
You must be able to travel within the UK and occasionally abroad.
Other Key Information:
This role attracts a National Security Vetting clearance (SC), there are further eligibility requirements which can be found here.
For the full responsibilities and requirements, please view the Candidate Pack
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