Be part of Manchester’s next great innovation story.
The University of Manchester has always been a place where the world’s firsts happen — from splitting the atom to the first stored-program computer. Now, we’re writing the next chapter with Unit M, our new innovation unit designed to unlock the full innovation impact of the University for our city, our region, and the world.
Unit M exists to accelerate inclusive growth by connecting world-class research, assets, and talent with the innovation ecosystem in Greater Manchester and beyond. We’re tackling the big challenges — from productivity and sustainability to skills and inclusion — by bringing together academia, business, and communities to make things happen.
We are now seeking a Head of Operations to help us build something truly transformative.
The opportunity
As Head of Operations, you’ll be the operational heartbeat of Unit M — leading and evolving our strategy, systems, and processes to ensure we deliver with impact, efficiency, and pace.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you’ll oversee the core operational functions that make our ambitious mission possible: finance, people, governance, risk, planning, and delivery. You’ll design and implement scalable systems, build an inclusive and high-performing culture, and ensure Unit M operates with the agility of a start-up and the excellence of a world-class university.
You’ll also lead the establishment of William Kay House, our new home and a dynamic hub for Manchester’s innovation community — shaping a space where collaboration and creativity thrive.
About You
You’ll be a strategic and pragmatic operational leader who can combine big-picture thinking with hands-on delivery. You’ll bring experience of driving operational excellence in complex, fast-moving environments — ideally spanning both large institutions and innovation-led ventures.
You’ll understand governance, compliance, and risk — but you’ll also know when to challenge convention, simplify, and move fast. You’ll be deeply motivated by impact, inclusion, and purpose — and you’ll have the interpersonal skills to inspire, influence, and unite others around a shared mission.
Above all, you’ll be future positive, fierce in your commitment to collaboration, and ready to make things happen.
Why join us
This is a rare opportunity to shape an organisation from the ground up — with the full backing of a world-leading university and the ambition of a city built on innovation.
You’ll join a diverse, values-driven team that is reimagining how universities can power regional and national growth — working alongside business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and researchers to build an inclusive innovation economy.
As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy ahead of the published closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
