Job for Researchers: Head of Operations in Crop Improvement – NIAB, Cambridge

About the Role

This is a senior operational leadership position within NIAB’s Crop Improvement Service Group. Reporting to the Director of Crop Improvement and sitting on the Cropping Systems Senior Leadership Team, you will provide the operational backbone for a group spanning pre-breeding, genomics and precision breeding. This is a building role: as the group’s scientific scope grows, you will create the operational infrastructure, management information systems and KPI frameworks that do not yet exist.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee contractual delivery, financial performance and KPIs across the Crop Improvement group
• Build and implement management information systems and KPI frameworks from scratch
• Manage operational, project management and support staff
• Allocate resources and equipment across the group
• Act as the key liaison between the group and NIAB’s Business Services functions
• Develop operational systems that support pre-breeding, genomics and precision breeding

Requirements

Essential

• Proven operational management experience within a research, scientific or professional services environment
• Demonstrable responsibility for delivery performance and financial management
• Strong project management skills and excellent financial literacy
• Experience building management information systems and KPI frameworks from the ground up
• Comfortable managing complex, multi-source funded programmes
• Confident working across scientific, commercial and corporate teams

Desirable

• PRINCE2, APM or equivalent project management qualification

NIAB supports ongoing professional development, including further qualifications such as an MBA.

What We Offer

• Permanent contract, 37 hours per week
• Salary £62,400 – £81,900 per annum
• 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays, plus 3 days off during the Christmas period
• Flexible / hybrid working across Cambridge and East Malling
• Professional development opportunities including MBA support
• Generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection and life assurance
• Employee discount scheme
• Free on-site parking

Location

The role is based at Niab Park Farm Campus, Villa Road, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9AT, 4 miles from Cambridge city centre. The site offers free on-site parking and is linked by cycleways and regular buses to Cambridge city centre and railway station. It is close to Junction 32 of the A14 with easy access to the M11, A10 and A11.

About NIAB

NIAB is the UK’s leading crop science organisation, with research capabilities in plant genetics, agronomy, farming systems and data science. It operates the largest national field trials capability and maintains strong research links with industry, government and academia. Headquartered in Cambridge with regional offices across the country, NIAB employs over 350 people. Its position at the interface of academic research and commercial breeding creates strong collaborations across the plant sciences sector. NIAB actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion, and is a Disability Confident Employer.

How to Apply

Closing date: 30 July 2026. Please submit your application through the NIAB careers website. Informal enquiries are welcome; contact the Human Resources team at [email protected].

This is a UK-based role. You will be required to demonstrate your right to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process. Where the role meets the relevant criteria, Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be considered in line with Home Office requirements. Any offer of sponsorship will be subject to the role meeting skill and salary thresholds and the individual meeting Home Office eligibility criteria.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. NIAB reserves the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time.

Original vacancy