Senior Operations Officer

**Company Description** LGC **is an international life sciences company working with customers in the government, academic, pharmaceutical, agricultural biotechnology, food, environment, security and sports sectors to achieve excellence in investigative, diagnostic and measurement science. **LGC’s Grant Management Group** (GMG) are experts in managing research funding to maximise its impact.

The Senior Operating Officer (SOO) is responsible for ensuring the operational efficiency of the NIHR IP Unit and proactively supporting the Head of Technology Transfer (HTT) in the development and execution of the IP Unit’s strategic and business plans, aligned with the GMGs mission statement and objectives.

The SOO plays a crucial role in managing internal operations, overseeing daily operations, improving operating procedures, and supporting the coordinating staff retention and recruitment activities.

Additionally, the SOO will monitor the IP Unit’s operational performance and develop strategies to enhance results while promoting the GMGs reputation as a leading institution for return on investment from professional grant management.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**
1. Collaborate in the development and execution of the IP Unit’s Business Plan, aligning with the GMGs mission statement, objectives, and key tasks.

2. Design, implement, and manage systems and processes that support the IP Unit’s core business of protecting taxpayer’s investment through contract management, due diligence and policy work so as to foster health, economic and social impact. Ensuring Processes have appropriate levels of record keeping.

3. Support the HTT to develop medium-term plans which encompasses all aspects of resource management, including finances and workforce planning and development. Assist the HTT with the stabilisation of team turnover, examine progression and remuneration options with the HTT.

4. Strengthen the current IP Unit’s governance processes by ensuring compliance and (where necessary) development of existing and new standard operating procedures (SOP) and support the HTT in establishing good governance and professional standards within the Unit and with the main external stakeholder, DHSC.

5. Facilitate the integration and operation of the IP Unit with other groups within the Innovations Division, working closely to ensure a cohesive approach to the work of GMG across all stakeholders and funded institutions.

6. Assist the HTT to manage key external relationships with government departments, funded institutions, SMEs, entrepreneurs and investors, fostering collaboration and partnerships that align with the IP Unit’s objectives.

7. Engage with technology transfer organizations nationally and internationally to collaborate and coordinate policy/best practice developments, promoting the IP Unit's reputation as a leading knowledge mobilisation institution.

8. Develop and manage KPI reporting for all aspects of our contracting work as well as developing and maintaining an appropriate client relationship management system, ensuring adherence to GMGs overall operational structure.

10. Manage the workflows of the IP Unit through responsibilities 2 and 4 above
- This includes-_
- The development, implementation and management of consent and due diligence process flow;
- Responsibility for IP Unit records, ensuring all data is stored to agreed standards / SOPs;
- Responsibility for continuous improvement of IP Unit processes, records and data;
- Identifying opportunities to improve and escalating to HTT as appropriate.

11. This job description is designed to be inclusive and flexible, reflecting the diversity of responsibilities and tasks required for the position. As the organization evolves so may this job description within reasonable and agreed limits.
**Qualifications** Qualifications & Behaviours and Competencies Required**:

- Curious, tenacious, and questioning mind with an appetite to challenge the status quo.to ensure continuous improvement.
- Proactive individual with a strong work ethos
- Excellent written skills with emphasis on attention to detail
- Excellent communication and influencing skills with an ability to develop strong relationships
- Strong organisation, time management and prioritisation skills

**Required Knowledge, Experience and Technical Skills**:

- Educated to degree level
- Experience in technology transfer and intellectual property
- Experience with information and records management best practice
- Experienced coordinating development and implementation of assurance policies and operating procedures
- An understanding of academic and/or research activities in science
- Experience of research funding (desirable)
- Experience of translating policy into practice (desirable)
- Process mapping (desirable)
- Identifying and implementing improvement opportunities
- Change management (desirable)
- Microsoft Office, G Suite, and project management software

**Additional Information**
Joi