Business Operations Officer

Posted 09 June 2025
Salary Grade 7 £40,497 - £45,413 per annum
End date 07 July 2025
LocationGlasgow
Job Type Management Professional & Administrative
Reference175556
Expiry 07 July 2025 at 23:45

Job description

JOB PURPOSE

Working with the Business Manager, you will be responsible for delivering a highly effective operational service playing a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of strategic objectives aligned with the MVLS Shared Research Facilities (SRF).  The role will involve overseeing and coordinating multiple projects at various stages, while driving communication and marketing efforts to effectively convey the research technologies, training opportunities and impact of the SRF.  The role will involve collaboration with key stakeholders (both internal and external) and provide professional expertise and proposals to enhance operational efficiency and drive successful outcomes.

 

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.     To lead on the coordination of key operational activities aligned with projects delivered across several specialised facility units within SRF.  Providing project management support and monitoring progress.

2.     To propose and implement service solutions to enhance the service delivery, working in collaboration with Technical Leads in the SRF to ensure continuous improvements are made. This will involve regular assessments and stakeholder feedback to then evaluate and take action to deliver solutions as required.

3.     To routinely monitor and oversee all budget and financial costs associated with active grants, requiring professional advice and guidance to deal with financial management queries as well as reviewing and analysing financial reports for discrepancies.  This will involve working closely with stakeholders to inform decisions on underspend and overspend whilst ensuring full compliance with funders’ guidelines.

4.     To lead on the development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that effectively showcases the research, training and impact of the SRF. This includes crafting engaging content, managing the SRF website to enhance visibility and ensuring consistent messaging that resonates with both internal and external stakeholders.

5.     Contribute to the delivery and analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs) and using other management information and systems to provide senior colleagues in the College with insightful data to inform on impact and contribution of the SRF towards the Research Excellence Framework (REF).

6.     To facilitate and proactively network with industrial collaborations in conjunction with the Technical Leads and University contracts and legal team, and to actively look for new and existing opportunities to enhance the University and College’s profile and reputation.  This will include attending internal and external (UK) events.

7.     To lead on the organisation, coordination and arrangements of scheduling networking events to attract internal and external stakeholders associated with SRF.

8.     To coordinate the internal assessment panels on behalf of the College for the shortlisting of strategic equipment grants, to ensure all relevant paperwork and proposals are submitted and communicate any outcomes to applicants as appropriate.

9.     To play a leading role in organising and preparing meetings as required, this will involve circulating papers, agendas and clerking.

10.   To contribute towards the induction and orientation plans for new staff and students ensuring they are equipment with the relevant tools to work in SRF and provide appropriate support as and when required for colleagues leaving.

11.   To engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

12.   To undertake any other reasonable duties as required by this role.

 

KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

 

Knowledge & Qualifications

 

Essential

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, (Ordinary/Honours Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4) or equivalent experience and personal development in a similar related role(s).

A2 Knowledge and understanding of relevant policy, practices and procedures within research environments and complex organisations.

 

Desirable

B1 Postgraduate degree in a related area.

B2 Working knowledge of Agresso.

B3 Knowledge of administrative and support systems, process design and improvement, and of developing, interrogating and maintaining databases.

 

Skills

 

Essential

C1 Highly effective oral and written communication skills with an ability to write concise and comprehensive reports and present to a variety of audiences.

C2 Demonstrated ability to set priorities and work with efficiency in a changing environment.

C3 Ability to work flexibly and independently, assess and adapt to changing priorities, and manage own workload effectively.

C4 Ability to use initiative, multi-task, problem solve and pay attention using excellent organisational skills to detail successfully in a busy role with competing demands.

C5 Excellent IT skills including use of Microsoft Office e.g. Word, Excel and databases.

C6 Proven analytical, organisational, planning and problem solving skills.

C7 Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to act positively with staff, students and a wide range of external contacts at all levels.

C8 Track record of managing budgets and preparing financial reports.

 

Desirable

D1 Knowledge of operational procedures from one or more SRF technology platforms.

D2 Project management skills.

 

Experience

 

Essential

E1 Proven experience of delivering and working at a professional level providing expert advice and guidance to people across a diverse range of research backgrounds.

E2 Experience of processing, analysing and presenting performance metrics.

E3 Experience of service delivery and building customer relationships.

E4 Experience in creating social media content, marketing flyers, newsletters, e-bulletins, or similar materials.

 

Desirable

F1 Experience of managing and preparing papers for senior committees.

F2 Experience in maintaining website content.

F3 Experience of working in a scientific technical facility and/or research environment.

 

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £40,497 - £45,413 per annum.

 

This post is full time and open ended.

 

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

 

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

 
 

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

 

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

 

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

 

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

 
 

Closing date: 23:45 on Monday 7th July 2025