About EIT: 

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford’s purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity’s most challenging problems. 

EIT Oxford will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high-impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability. 

Led by a faculty of world experts, EIT Oxford seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: health and medical science; food security and sustainable agriculture; climate change and clean energy; and government innovation in an era of artificial intelligence. 

EIT Oxford is investing significant resources in a new world-class research and development facility in the Oxford Science Park. Set for completion in 2027, the state-of-the-art campus includes 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and educational and meeting spaces.  

Together, they create the perfect environment for EIT Oxford experts to take ground-breaking ideas from research to broad implementation. The new facility will further EIT’s current partnership with the University of Oxford and become the new home for Ellison Scholars. 

EIT Oxford is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone’s experience and expertise are valued. We are curious and resilient in our efforts to drive long-term, sustainable innovation to meet humanity’s most enduring challenges. 

We are seeking a visionary and results-driven Director of Operations to lead and optimise operations for our Prevention Programme. The ideal candidate will combine strategic foresight with hands-on operational expertise to drive seamless project execution, build scalable systems, and ensure alignment with EIT Oxford’s long-term vision. 

Reporting to the senior leadership team, the Director of Operations will be pivotal in establishing a robust Project Management Office (PMO) and ensuring the Prevention Programme delivers transformative results on time and within budget. 

Requirements

The Director of Operations will oversee the effective execution and delivery of projects across the Prevention Programme ensuring alignment with strategic goals. 

Strategic Oversight 

• Working with the Senior Team, design and implement scalable operation strategies that align with the company’s vision and growth trajectory. 

• Ensure alignment of project portfolios with the company’s vision, mission, and long-term objectives. 

• Monitor and analyse metrics to assess project success and overall organisational performance. 

Project Oversight 

• Oversee multiple projects or programmes simultaneously, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget. 

• Establish project governance frameworks to ensure clear accountability and standardised practices. 

• Monitor progress of key projects through status reports, dashboards, and direct interaction with project managers. 

• Resolve escalations by addressing risks, issues, or bottlenecks impacting project delivery. 

Process and Operational Improvements 

• Standardise project management processes by implementing methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, or PMBOK principles. 

• Maintain and own the growing master list of action items within project management software (e.g., Asana or equivalent). 

• Identify inefficiencies in project execution and recommend solutions for process improvement. 

• Develop and maintain internal communication strategy, ensure key communications are orchestrated appropriately for every internal stakeholder group. 

Team Leadership 

• Establish and run a project management office (PMO) that enables smooth coordination and collaboration across the core team, extended team, and external parties.   

• Recruit and develop a high-performing operations team capable of scaling with the business. 

• Create a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the operations function. 

• Collaborate with Executive Team to allocate resources effectively, ensuring optimal PMO performance  

Qualifications & Experience: 

• Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Life Sciences, Technology, Business Administration) 

• Will have worked within Science, Biotech or Health tech business where you will be able to demonstrate success in scaling operations and aligning them with organisational goals. 

• Proven expertise in managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects, ideally in the life sciences, medical research, or technology sectors. 

• Strong knowledge of project management frameworks, tools (e.g., Asana, Jira), and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, PMBOK). 

• Track record of driving operational excellence and delivering on ambitious, high-stakes agendas. 

• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to simplify complex concepts for diverse stakeholders. 

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to operational challenges. 

• Resilient, adaptable, and able to thrive in a dynamic, start-up environment. 

Nice to have but not essential: 

• PMP or equivalent project management certification 

Benefits

Terms of Appointment: 

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary. 

• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford. 

• During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme. 

Why work for EIT: 

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact! 

We offer the following salary and benefits: 

• Salary: £130k-£150k + travel allowance and bonus  

• Enhanced holiday pay  

• Pension  

• Life Assurance 

• Income Protection 

• Private Medical Insurance  

• Hospital Cash Plan 

• Therapy Services 

• Perk Box 

Hours of work will generally be Monday to Friday, core hours typically 08:30-17:30 and will be hybrid based, 3 days in the office. However, due to the nature of the role and organisation there may be times where flexibility is required during the evening and occasionally weekends.