Director of Operations - York

CHAP is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead the Service Execution and Delivery elements of their 5 Year Strategic plan. Reporting to the CEO, joining and working with the Executive team (Commercial Director, Innovation Director, Finance Director), the postholder must be able to lead their own small team, while integrating seamlessly, and synergistically with their peers.

Crop Health and Protection Ltd (CHAP), is a not for profit, limited by guarantee small start up company, that is one of 4 UK Agritech Centres set up by Innovate UK, dedicated to advancing sustainable agricultural productivity.

CHAP sits as a nexus between government, academics, researchers and industry and builds innovation networks to identify and accelerate transformational solutions to drive step changes in sustainable crop productivity. CHAP provide open access, state of the art facilities run by world class experts that provide contract research capabilities and technology demonstrators dedicated to transforming crop productivity.

This is a fast paced, high-profile position that can be based in York or Harpenden but with regular UK travel to partner sites.

Candidate profile:-

• Experienced Operations Manager or Operations Director or Head of Operations with some recent exposure to SME or startup environments
• Demonstrable experience in securing commercial, business, and public good objectives
• Experience working with Academics and Government departments would be helpful
• Experienced leader of people, able to work collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders and partners
• Provide strategic operational input to shape current and future plans
• Experienced in overseeing IT systems
• Previous recruitment and HR experience.
• Keen commitment to project management, project delivery excellence and assurance.
• Ability to actively manage projects and strategic risk registers
• Ideally will some experience in providing an effective bid proposal system for grants and/or commercial projects, although this may not be essential.
• Degree calibre and comfortable working at board level

Location: York office base with travel around the UK.

Competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and skills.

A detailed job profile is available on request. To apply, please email your CV to Margaret Wilkinson or contact Margaret for a confidential discussion on this exciting role.