The Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA) is seeking an experienced and highly organised Operations Manager to play a central role in supporting the team and ensuring the smooth and effective running of its day-to-day operations.
Based at the Whittle Laboratory in West Cambridge, you will work closely with the AIA Director, Operations Lead and wider team to coordinate and deliver a broad range of operational and administrative priorities. These will include finance, HR, recruitment, procurement, office and calendar management, and other activities essential to the effective functioning of the team.
This is a hands-on role requiring someone who is comfortable taking ownership of important operational processes, managing competing priorities and ensuring that tasks are followed through accurately and efficiently. Working under the supervision of the Operations Lead, you will exercise sound judgement in handling routine matters independently, escalate non-routine or sensitive issues appropriately, and provide clear, accurate and timely information to support effective decision-making.
We are looking for someone with excellent organisational and coordination skills, exceptional attention to detail and a strong sense of personal responsibility. You will be a proactive self-starter who takes pride in delivering work to a high standard, anticipates what needs to be done and is willing to take ownership of the vital administrative and operational functions that enable the wider team to perform effectively.
The successful candidate will be able to communicate clearly and professionally with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders, manage multiple tasks and deadlines without losing sight of detail, and approach problems calmly and practically. Good financial awareness and experience of working across several operational functions are important, as is the ability to work effectively in a busy and evolving environment.
We particularly value reliability, initiative, good judgement and a genuine commitment to getting things right. The role would suit someone who enjoys bringing structure and organisation to a team, who is comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, and who understands the importance of strong operational support to the success of a wider programme.
Experience of working within a university, research organisation or similarly complex environment would be an advantage.
For full details of the role, responsibilities and person specification, please see the further particulars document.
Working pattern: Tuesday to Thursday, office-based.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 6 months in the first instance.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 21 October 2026.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and if you have any queries regarding either the vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR Office in the first instance on [email protected] or 01223 332615.
Please quote reference NM51320 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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